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Searching for information Don’t jump into a search. Choose search words carefully because they determine what kind of information is returned, and whether it is relevant to your topic. Think for a few moments about your research topic. Jot down key words and concepts. Adding key words to a search makes it more specific to your topic and increases the chance that the search will return relevant information. Cast a wider information net by including alternative terms or synonyms in your search. For example, if you are researching “types of cats” also search “feline breeds.” If you are researching “ocean pollution clean up,” also try “marine environmental remediation.” If you can’t think of alternative terms, include a “syn.” next to the key words your search will bring up reference material including synonyms.
How do you evaluate online information for reliability?
You were just told how lucky you are to have so much information available to you with little effort, but there’s a dark cloud for every silver lining, and this is it: Before the internet existed, information was pretty much limited to printed resources. All books and articles went through a publication process where they were reviewed, edited, and analyzed for accuracy by many people before being made available to the public, or allowed on a library shelf. The internet however, is a completely different animal. It is a public forum , which means anyone, anywhere can digitally publish any information, story or article, and make it immediately available for public consumption . Anyone can claim to be an “expert.” So remember those critical thinking skills you learned in the last chapter? This is one place they definitely apply! Use your critical thinking skills to evaluate the reliability of online information: Purpose. Personal websites are maintained by people with a personal interest in a topic. Special interest sites are maintained by groups of people with a common interest . Professional sites are maintained by institutions or professional organizations . There are news and journal sites, commercial/ business sites, and government sites. Verify the purpose of a site or source before you use it. Currency. You live in the Information Age. The world generates and PRODUCT PREVIEW There’s a dark cloud for every silver lining: Online information needs careful evaluation.
circulates information at incredible speed. As a result, information becomes stale and outdated pretty quickly, particularly in areas like science, tech, and medicine. If you’re researching a topic that requires current information, such as a state-of-the-art stadium design, or discoveries in biology, check the date of publication . Be sure your information is current . Credibility. An author should state their credentials telling you why they are qualified to write a particular piece, or state an opinion on a topic. Credentials include affiliations and memberships , educational
The internet is a public forum. Anyone (even this guy) can claim to be an expert. Check credentials!
THE 21st CENTURY STUDENT’S GUIDE TO STUDY SKILLS 243
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