Chapter 4: Working with Words: Which Word Is Right? Review your search results and identify six to eight additional terms you might use when you conduct your research. That way, if you need to locate a source again, you have all the information you need right at your fingertips. Reputability refers to a sources standing and reputation as a respectable, reliable source of information. Skim the introduction and conclusion for summary material. Discuss what you find with your doctor before making any changes to your health care. WebThe Importance of Reliable Information When Making Decisions. Look for health care professionals or scientific researchers with in-depth knowledge of the topic. Sometimes, however, a sources reliabilityor lack of itis not so obvious. Other libraries use these terms to classify materials. Is the purpose of the site to inform or explain, or is it trying to sell a product or service? Interviews were conducted with 51 Australians contemplating or who had travelled for stem cell treatment. Journal articles often begin with an abstract or summary of the contents. If you come across information from a source that you dont recognize, do a Google search. These can range from general news databases to specialized databases. Websites and blogs - can be reliable or unreliable, hoaxes or sincere misinformation. With Visit your librarys website or consult with a reference librarian to determine what periodicals indexes or databases would be useful for your research. Based on what I know about the author, are there likely to be any hidden agendas? The importance of using reliable sources truly boils down to effective communication. If you add your own responses and ideas, make sure they are distinct from ideas you quoted or paraphrased. Stevenson University Online builds partnerships with employers and academic institutions across the region to help adult students earn their degrees. They are: Accurate: The information is true and can be verified. But finding reliable health information takes a little effort. For instance, online social networking sites have evolved rapidly over the past few years. This can be a rough indication of the articles quality or, at the very least, of its influence and reputation among other scholars. WebReliable information sources are scattered and not easy to find. Does the site offer contact information? Take careful notes and be ready to ask follow-up questions based on what you learn. Checklist 11.1 lists ten questions to ask yourself as a critical reader. Bias can lead an author to present facts selectively, edit quotations to misrepresent someones words, and distort information. Relying solely on lightweight books and articles written for a general audience will drastically limit the range of useful, substantial information. This is the opposite of dependability. ), Heading summing up the main topic covered, Authors name, a source code, or an abbreviated source title, Full URL of any pages buried deep in a website. Table 11.3 Tips for Skimming Books and Articles explains how to skim to get a quick sense of what topics are covered. n. accurate data. Limit results to a particular domain type, such as .edu (school and university sites) or .gov (government sites). Reference works provide a summary of information about a particular topic. This information These publications include reports, newsletters, advertisements, manuals, brochures, and other print documents. To get the most out of an interview, you will need to plan ahead. When you evaluate a source, you will consider the criteria previously discussed as well as your overall impressions of its quality. Common sense will help you identify obviously questionable sources, such as tabloids that feature tales of alien abductions, or personal websites with glaring typos. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on media globally, with increased censorship and harassment of journalists in many countries, but also a renewed awareness of the importance of reliable reporting, media experts say. To determine whether a source is reliable or not you must look at certain criteria. Apps may also collect data about you as you use them. This phase can be both exciting and challenging. If you have trouble finding sources on a topic, consult a librarian to see whether you need to modify your search terms. You might want to keep this checklist by your computer. You can always come back to it later if you need to. Effective researchers make choices about which type of notes is most appropriate for their purpose. WebAs there is so much information available and because such information can be published quickly and easily by anybody and at any time, it is important that you are vigilant in choosing reliable sources. The diversity of news sources thus makes the internet a more reliable source of news and information (Seught, 2011). Explanation: it is important because some websites can be edited by anyone and not everyone knows the right answers, somebody might even put the wrong answers Many websites will ask you ahead of time if you want to accept cookies, but others may not. The following are examples of secondary sources: Your topic and purpose determine whether you must cite both primary and secondary sources in your paper. Newspapers, magazines, and academic journals are examples. Table 11.3 Tips for Skimming Books and Articles. For many subjects the internet can be It is more and more important to check information sources, especially on the internet and using social media. Sources can vary greatly in terms of how carefully they are researched, written, edited, and reviewed for accuracy. Searching for academic sources, students should remember about the validity and reliability of the information. An official website of the United States government. An official website of the National Institutes of Health, Division of Behavioral and Social Research, Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, Training Opportunities for Special Populations, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Funding Announcements, Alzheimers & Related Dementias Press Kit, National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA), Advances in Aging and Alzheimer's Research, How To Find Reliable Health Information Online, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Chapter 7: Refining Your Writing: How Do I Improve My Writing Technique? n. Table 11.1 Library Print Resources lists different types of print resources available at public and university libraries. How can I protect my health information? The following are some of the electronic sources you might consult: The techniques you use to locate print resources can also help you find electronic resources efficiently. At best, these sites can be a starting point for finding other, more trustworthy sources. (For more information on APA and MLA formatting, see Chapter 13 APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting. Before you download or use an app, make sure you know who produced it. Print out or bookmark your search results. News outlets forced out of business, attacks and threats against journalists, and an avalanche of disinformation were cited as some of the main challenges in 2020 for the news industry, during a World Press Freedom Conference panel earlier this month. Never use them as final sources. The owner of a small business might use a database such as Business Source Premiere to find articles on management, finance, or trends within a particular industry. Periodicals databases are not just for students writing research papers. This information Trustworthy websites will also have contact information an email address, phone number, and/or mailing address that you can use to reach the sites sponsor. For additional information on citing different sources, see Chapter 13 APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting. How to Find Reliable Health Information about Covid-19. Some types of resources, such as a television documentary, may only be available electronically. There is a spectrum of reliability. Other resourcesfor instance, many newspapers and magazinesmay be available in both print and electronic form. WebYou can get information from a variety of sources. Consider whether you could use a person or group as a primary source. Is the mission or goal of the website owner or sponsor made clear? While the data itself may not be very informative, it is the basis for all reporting and as such is crucial in business. Use your good judgment when gathering health information online. Use a search engine to conduct a web search on your topic. (When you use secondary sources, look for sources that are not too removed from primary research.). This is a quick way to filter out commercial sites, which can often lead to more objective results. Sources used may include print sources, such as books and journals; electronic sources, such as websites and articles retrieved from databases; and human sources of information, such as interviews. Jorge used the Library of Congress site to identify general terms he could use to find resources about low-carb dieting. With so many print and electronic media readily available, it is easy to overlook another valuable information resource: other people. Use these details to develop a working bibliographya preliminary list of sources that you will later use to develop the references section of your paper. Many older adults share a common concern: Can I trust the health information I find online? There are thousands of medical websites. If your knowledge is based on unreliable information you will not be a trustworthy asset to your company. Smart researchers continually ask themselves two questions: Is this source relevant to my purpose? and Is this source reliable? The first question will help you avoid wasting valuable time reading sources that stray too far from your specific topic and research questions. 888-232-6348 (TTY)cdcinfo@cdc.govwww.cdc.gov, MedlinePlus Whether you use old-fashioned index cards or organize your notes using word-processing software, record just one major point from each source at a time, and use a heading to summarize the information covered. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Read the dust jacket and table of contents for a broad overview of the topics covered. Industry leaders believe the new A.I. This includes bibliographic information about each source as well as summarized, paraphrased, or quoted information from the source. The site is secure. WebIn general, print publications with authors and listed sources tend to be reliable because they provide sources which readers can verify. Understand why many electronic resources are not reliable. The first step toward accomplishing your education and career goals is submitting an application to Stevenson University. These terms helped Jorge refine his search. Mobile medical applications (apps) are a type of software you can install and run on your smartphone. No technique is necessarily better than the othersit is more important to choose a format you are comfortable using. Reliable information refers to news shared by sources that, most of the time, report news accurately, while misinformation refers to news shared by sources that Good researchers stay focused and organized as they gather information from sources. 1. n. credible information. Use multiple keywords and Boolean operators to limit your results. Some online health information is reliable. Depending on the specific search engine you use, the following options may be available: Use the Bookmarks or Favorites feature of your web browser to save and organize sites that look promising. You probably know lots of people who give half-hearted promises. You will consider criteria such as the type of source, its intended purpose and audience, the authors (or authors) qualifications, the publications reputation, any indications of bias or hidden agendas, how current the source is, and the overall quality of the writing, thinking, and design. You might consider calling your doctors office or health insurance company to give this information over the phone rather than providing it online. In some cases, the sources content and tone are significantly influenced by biases or hidden agendas. WebSummary. Unfortunately, despite its apparent convenience, this research strategy has the following drawbacks to consider: A general web search can provide a helpful overview of a topic and may pull up genuinely useful resources. Relevant: It applies to your needs. Take command of the accuracy and reliability of time and attendance tracking records. Identify at least three to five articles to review more closely. Any advertisements on a site should be clearly marked as such. Identify and bookmark one or more websites that are reliable, reputable, and likely to be useful in your research. In a health crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic, quality information is necessary to keep the population calm and informed on the correct steps to take. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources. Can I establish that the author is credible and the publication is reputable? Credible communication is key in business success and that is why you should Is your privacy protected? How thoroughly the writers cover a given topic, How carefully the writers research and document facts, What biases or agendas affect the content, Scholarly books and articles in scholarly journals, Trade books and magazines geared toward an educated general audience, such as, Government documents, such as books, reports, and web pages, Documents posted online by reputable organizations, such as universities and research institutes, Textbooks and reference books, which are usually reliable but may not cover a topic in great depth, News stories and feature articles (print or online) from reputable newspapers, magazines, or organizations, such as, Popular magazine articles, which may or may not be carefully researched and fact checked, Documents published by businesses and nonprofit organizations, Loosely regulated or unregulated media content, such as Internet discussion boards, blogs, free online encyclopedias, talk radio shows, television news shows with obvious political biases, personal websites, and chat rooms. It is important to be able to distinguish between them! Their purpose is to inform and, often, to entertain or persuade readers as well. WebIn addition, there are many social networks on the internet too that can serve as sources of news. Evaluate your search results critically based on the criteria you have learned. Canadians may expect more transparency and accurate information from internet-service providers after a private members bill passed in the House of Commons this week. Writers evaluate sources based on how relevant they are to the research question and how reliable their content is. Textbooks, hard news articles, and websites approach a subject from different angles as well. Does the source include any factual errors or instances of faulty logic? Important information when preparing the company's business plan, for example, includes sources of forecasts about the general economy and the growth of the industry. Support for the media industry, which has experienced job losses and closures during the pandemic, is part of the focus of a separate project by UNESCO and World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). WebThe Importance of Data. 3. Ask questions to determine each sources value. This stressful scenario can be avoided. Read and trust reliable sources like the CDC and other reputable sources. Content reviewed: Regardless of the format used, any notes you take should include enough information to help you organize ideas and locate them instantly in the original text if you need to review them. Reliable sources of information will have a few things in common. Limit results to websites that have been updated within a particular time frame. Many of the answers can often be found in a websites About Us section. Ensure the information collected is relevant to the app, you know how the information will be used, and you feel comfortable sharing this information. Libraries usually include CD-ROMs, audio books, and audio and video recordings among their holdings. As Jorge conducted his research, he read several research studies in which scientists found significant benefits to following a low-carbohydrate diet. Reliable medical information is going to be based on peer-reviewed, evidence-based science. Skim through subheadings and text features such as sidebars. If your doctors office has a website, it may include a list of recommended links. Dont enter sensitive information over public Wi-Fi. Chapter 9: Writing Essays: From Start to Finish. As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the decimation of journalism in many areas of the world constitutes a growing threat, bringing existing challenges to a tipping point, the organizations said in a joint statement. Stevenson Online supports the Universitys core values; it is our goal to help you achieve career success. If a site ends in .gov, it is most likely a reliable government website. (If so, it is possible that your sources are presenting similar information but taking different perspectives, which requires you to think carefully about which sources you find more convincing and why. Remember that you do not need to write down every detail from your reading. The internet is a research tool for 87% of online users. Seek out academic journals along with other resources. Enclose a phrase in quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, such as , Use parentheses to direct the order of operations in a search string. Depending on your topic, you may rely on a general news index, a specialized index for a particular subject area, or both. Reliable information can be depended upon to represent the conditions and events that it is intended to represent.. Visit the Library of Congresss website at http://id.loc.gov/authorities and conduct searches on a few terms related to your topic. This security feature requires the use of two different types of personal information to log into your mobile devices or accounts. Accurate information is crucial to nearly every professional and academic discipline because facts are the only way humans can ascertain truth. For example: While many commercial websites do provide accurate, useful health information, it can be hard to distinguish this content from marketing and promotional materials in some cases. WebCredible sources are critical for research papers because their findings are based on evidence and reliable information. Chapter 8: The Writing Process: How Do I Begin? Identify instances when it is appropriate to use human sources, such as interviews or eyewitness testimony. You dont want to make decisions about your care based on out-of-date content. At this point in your research process, you may have identified dozens of potential sources. The IMS findings showed both good and bad trends for the media, including an increase in audiences and demand for fact-checked information, but also attempts to censor or obstruct critical reporting. Is the website written by a medical or scientific professional or does it reference one of the trustworthy sources mentioned above for its health information? Thats why its particularly important to get reliable information about what is happening and what you can do to protect yourself. Properly cited sources provide transparency and integrity to the books content, making it a reliable source of knowledge. Is the writing clear and organized, and is it free from errors, clichs, and empty buzzwords? They can be used to measure/record a wide range of business activities - both internal and external. Here are some of the ways you can use Boolean operators: With the expansion of technology and media over the past few decades, a wealth of information is available to you in electronic format. For example, if you are writing a research paper about the psychology of communication you want to look at journal articles and research-based reports. One way to refine your keyword search is to use Boolean operators. All courses are online, allowing you to continue working while pursuing your degree. Writing for Success by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. FILE - Members of the media are seen as a medical worker is inoculated with the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, in New Hyde Park, New York, Dec. 14, 2020. separate project by UNESCO and World Association of News Publishers. Identify at least one to two relevant periodicals, indexes, or databases. Media literacy supports this by emphasizing active, If you are asked to share personal information, be sure to find out how the information will be used. Flip through the book and look for subtitles or key terms that correspond to your research. Other primary sources include the following: Secondary sources discuss, interpret, analyze, consolidate, or otherwise rework information from primary sources. Be sure to seek out sources that are current, or up to date. Chapter 5: Help for English Language Learners, Chapter 6: Writing Paragraphs: Separating Ideas and Shaping Content. Sifting through library stacks and database search results to find the information you need can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. As you gather sources, you will need to examine them with a critical eye. For example, if a business pays for the site, the health information may favor that business and its products. Be careful about sharing your Social Security number. The following questions can help determine which ones are trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) This is because those types of sources typically include more information on the topic at hand. Never is access to information as important as at times when critical decisions are being made that will affect lives, livelihoods, and rights. As you determine which sources you will rely on most, it is important to establish a system for keeping track of your sources and taking notes. When in doubt, ask your health care provider about what you read.