Mississippi Association of Plant Pathologists and Nematologists, Mississippi Entomological Association, and Mississippi Weed Science Society Poster Contest Instructions for Judges

General

Judges will have a private viewing of the posters after assembly. The local arrangements chairperson and judges will be the only individuals present during judging.

Presentations will be judged in two major categories: Presentation skills (Methods and Mechanics) and Content (Relevance and Merit). A sample score sheet is attached. Each judge will use a separate score sheet. Score sheets will be returned to contestants. Judges will use the scale on the worksheet to evaluate categories. After scoring all posters, sheets will be ranked from high to low by placing a number in the upper right hand corner of the score sheet, using a scale of 1 to the number of posters in the contest, with 1 representing the highest score. The winners will be determined by summing the rankings of the judges, and the three posters with the lowest total scores will be declared the winners. The poster with the lowest score will be awarded first place, the poster with the next lowest score awarded second place and the poster with next lowest score awarded third place. In an effort to avoid ties, judges will not be allowed to give identical scores to two or more posters; if, however, after compiling scores from all judges a tie occurs, then both contestants will share that award. Overall comments should be entered at the bottom of the page along with specific comments in the area provided within each section of the score sheet. Critical comments will aid the presenter by enhancing his/her communication skills by pointing out specific areas and points that should be improved; comments of a complimentary nature for a job well done are also important and appropriate.

Criteria

• Creativity and inventiveness refers to the use of new or unusual methodology to effectively illustrate ideas or results. Use of creative art work, illustrations, color balance, and general organization of the poster should be considered in the category. The overall neatness and general appeal of the poster to the observer should also be considered.



• Poster development refers to the physical development of the poster. This includes the organization and pattern of the posters and effectiveness of text, figures, and pictures in conveying the information in an easily understandable format. Proper grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and correct punctuation and use of terminology should be considered. Figures and graphs should not be difficult to interpret.



• A clear justification for research or information and a statement of objective(s) or purpose(s) of poster should be given; this should include background on the subject and pertinent references if applicable. Material should be presented in a clear and interesting manner to make the reader want to learn more. Summary should be clear, concise, and easy to follow. It should reemphasize the main point or points of significance of the poster.

• Discussion of Results and Conclusions is an essential part of any poster. It is important that the Results and Conclusions are supported by the information presented and interpretation is logical. Information should be related to other work if applicable. Importance of results should be addressed and related to future needs that could potentially allow better understanding of the subject.

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