1.2 - Identifying and Locating Reliable Sources
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Interactive Audio Lesson
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Understanding Source Types
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Today we're discussing different types of information sources you'll encounter in research. Can anyone name a type of source?
Books?
Yes, exactly! Books can be either non-fiction or academic. And what about articles?
Like journal articles?
Correct! Articles from reputable journals are very credible. There are also educational websites and government publications. Why is it important to distinguish between primary and secondary sources?
Because primary sources give us first-hand accounts, while secondary sources interpret those accounts.
Great point, Student_3! Remember, primary sources are original materials like letters and diaries, while secondary sources analyze these originals.
Evaluating Sources with C.R.A.A.P.
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Now let's dive into how to evaluate sources. What do you think the criteria might be?
Maybe how recent it is?
That's right! We use the C.R.A.A.P. test. It stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Letβs break these down. Who can explain why Currency is important?
If information is outdated, it might not be accurate anymore!
Exactly! And what about Relevance?
It has to directly address our research topic.
Great job! Letβs continue discussing how Authority affects how much we trust a source.
Practical Search Strategies
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Next, let's discuss some search strategies. How do you usually search for information online?
I just type in what Iβm looking for.
A good start! You should also use keywords effectively and consider using Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT. Who can explain how using specific keywords helps?
It narrows down the search to more relevant results.
That's a key point! Also remember to look for reliable domains like .edu, .gov, and .org. Not all websites are credible.
Evaluating Sources Activity
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Now it's your turn! I have a hypothetical research question and a list of sources. I need you to evaluate these sources using the C.R.A.A.P. criteria.
What if I think a source is unreliable? What should I do?
Good question! If you find it unreliable, explain your reasoning based on the criteria. Letβs start!
This article is really old, so it fails the Currency test.
Exactly! Keep discussing with your peers, and share your evaluations.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
Students learn about different types of reliable sources, the criteria for evaluating them, and practical search strategies to find credible information. Emphasis is on understanding both primary and secondary sources and applying evaluation criteria such as the C.R.A.A.P. test.
Detailed
In this section, students are guided through the critical process of identifying and locating reliable sources essential for academic research. The section begins by distinguishing between various source types, including non-fiction and academic books, articles from reputable journals, educational websites, government publications, interviews, and documentaries. It emphasizes the importance of understanding primary sources, which offer original accounts, and secondary sources that analyze or interpret these original accounts. Additionally, students are introduced to the C.R.A.A.P. criteria for evaluating sources: Currency (the recency of information), Relevance (the information's relation to the topic), Authority (the credibility of the creator), Accuracy (the factual correctness), and Purpose (the information's intention and any potential bias). Practical search strategies are also discussed, focusing on efficient use of search engines and recognizing reliable website domains. Finally, an activity allows students to evaluate a list of diverse sources against these criteria, reinforcing their understanding of the importance of reliable information in their research.
Audio Book
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Source Types
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Introduce different categories of information sources, such as books (both non-fiction and academic), articles from reputable journals or newspapers, educational websites, government publications, interviews, and documentaries. Differentiate between primary sources (original, first-hand accounts or data, e.g., letters, diaries, raw data, photographs) and secondary sources (interpretations or analyses of primary sources, e.g., textbooks, biographies, news analyses).
Detailed Explanation
In this section, we learn about various types of sources that can be used for research. Sources are categorized primarily into two groups: primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are original materials that provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts, like letters or diaries. Secondary sources, on the other hand, include interpretations or analyses of those primary sources, such as textbooks or articles that review original research. Understanding the difference between these source types is crucial as they serve different purposes in research.
Examples & Analogies
Think of primary sources as the ingredients in a recipe and secondary sources as the dish prepared from those ingredients. For instance, if you have a diary of a historical figure, that diary is a primary source (the raw material), while a biography discussing that figureβs life, based on the diary, is a secondary source (the finished product).
Source Evaluation Criteria
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Revisit and apply the principles of source evaluation (e.g., the C.R.A.A.P. test: Currencyβhow recent is the information?; Relevanceβdoes it directly address the topic?; Authorityβwho created it and what are their credentials?; Accuracyβis the information factual and verifiable?; Purposeβwhy was it created, and is there bias?) specifically within the context of academic research.
Detailed Explanation
Evaluating sources is essential to ensure that your research is based on credible information. The C.R.A.A.P. test is a helpful tool that includes five criteria: Currency checks how recent the information is; Relevance assesses if the information is related to your topic; Authority examines who authored the source and their qualifications; Accuracy ensures the information is correct and supported by facts; and Purpose looks at the reason the source was created and if it has bias. By applying this test, students can critically assess whether the sources they choose are reliable and appropriate for their research.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine shopping for a car. You wouldn't just choose the first one you see; you would compare different cars based on their year (currency), their features (relevance), who made them (authority), reviews (accuracy), and why they were made (purpose). Similarly, in research, you need to make sure the sources meet these criteria before using them.
Practical Search Strategies
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Discuss effective search engine techniques (e.g., using keywords, Boolean operators if appropriate for the level, recognizing reliable website domains like .edu, .gov, .org, and understanding that not all search results are equally credible).
Detailed Explanation
When looking for information online, using effective search strategies can save time and improve the quality of your research. Keywords are important; they are the main terms that capture the essence of your topic. Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT can refine your search by combining or excluding terms. Additionally, recognizing reliable domains, such as .edu (education), .gov (government), and .org (typically non-profit), can help you identify trustworthy sources. Itβs also vital to remember that just because a source appears in search results doesnβt mean itβs credible.
Examples & Analogies
Think of searching online like fishing in a big ocean. If you just throw a net without a strategy, you might catch a lot of junk. Instead, if you know what type of fish (information) you are looking for (using keywords), and if you use a special net that only catches certain fish (using Boolean operators), you will have a better chance of reeling in something valuable. Using reliable domains is like fishing in a well-stocked pond where you know the quality is high.
Activity: Evaluating Sources
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
Provide students with a hypothetical research question and a diverse list of potential sources (some reliable, some less so). Students will evaluate each source using the established criteria and justify their decision to include or exclude it for their research.
Detailed Explanation
In this activity, students will practice the skills they have learned about identifying and evaluating sources. They will be given a research question along with a selection of sources. Their task will be to apply the C.R.A.A.P. test to each source to determine its reliability. They must think critically about why a source should be included or excluded from their research based on the criteria discussed. This hands-on practice reinforces the importance of using credible and relevant sources.
Examples & Analogies
This is similar to being a coach selecting players for a sports team. Not every player is right for every position. A good coach evaluates playersβ skills and how they fit into the team's strategy (in this case, using the C.R.A.A.P. criteria) to choose the best lineup that will lead to victory (successful research outcomes).
Key Concepts
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Source Types: Distinction between primary and secondary sources.
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C.R.A.A.P. Test: Criteria for evaluating sources' credibility.
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Practical Search Strategies: Techniques for effective online information retrieval.
Examples & Applications
A journal article discussing new research findings is a primary source, while a review article summarizing those findings is a secondary source.
Using keywords like 'climate change impact on polar bears' instead of just 'climate change' improves search results.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
To find sources that are right, check the date, and see the sight.
Stories
Imagine searching for treasure. You need a map (C.R.A.A.P.) to find the best clues to support your claims!
Memory Tools
Use 'C.R.A.A.P.' to remember: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.
Acronyms
Think of 'S.E.C.R.E.T.' for types of sources
Stories (primary)
Explanations (secondary)
Credible Evidence
Research Works (journals)
Educational Sites
Textbooks.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Primary Source
An original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence of a topic.
- Secondary Source
A source that interprets or analyzes primary sources, such as textbooks or articles.
- C.R.A.A.P. Test
Criteria for evaluating the credibility of a source: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.
Reference links
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