Wikipedia and Internet Research: A Slippery Slope

Summary

This video script discusses the importance of evaluating the credibility and objectivity of online information, using the Exxon Valdez oil spill as a case study. It highlights how information can be manipulated, as seen with Exxon's editing of Wikipedia's description of the spill. The script provides four criteria for assessing website credibility: authority and credibility, objectivity and purpose, currency, and references or documentation. It also suggests ways to enhance research credibility and offers assistance from librarians at the Stewart library.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was a significant environmental disaster, highlighting the importance of accurate information in managing public perception and corporate image.
• 🔍 The ability to manipulate information online, such as on Wikipedia, can be used to control narratives and downplay negative impacts, as allegedly done by Exxon in 2004.
• 🌐 Information from various sources, including think tanks like the Brookings Institute or the Cato Institute, may carry biases that influence their research and presentation of facts.
• 🏛 When evaluating websites, consider the domain type (.com, .org, .gov), but remember that credibility and appropriateness of information are key, regardless of the domain.
• 🛡 Authority and credibility are crucial; check the organization behind the website to ensure it is reliable, contrasting the example of a white supremacy group's website with a government health site.
• 🤔 Objectivity and purpose should be scrutinized; a website's stated purpose may differ from its underlying agenda, as seen with a site related to the California Republican caucus.
• 📅 Currency of information is important; look for copyright or last updated dates to gauge the timeliness of the content.
• 🔗 Websites that provide references or documentation for their information are more trustworthy, as they allow for verification of sources.
• 🗺️ Good website evaluation also includes checking for easy navigation, related links, and additional research materials like peer-reviewed journals and primary research.
• ℹ️ For questions about evaluating websites or information, librarians at the Stewart library are available for assistance through various contact methods.

Q & A

What was the Exxon Valdez oil spill and why was it significant?

The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was one of the worst oil disasters in U.S. history. It occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska, and caused significant environmental damage, leading to a race to control the damage to the environment and to Exxon's reputation.

How can information on the internet be manipulated, as suggested by the script?

Information on the internet can be manipulated by altering content to downplay negative impacts or to cast a more positive light on a subject, as was the case with the Exxon Valdez oil spill's Wikipedia page, where changes were made to downplay the impact on wildlife and highlight Exxon's compensation payments.

Why is it important to evaluate the credibility of information sources on the web?

Evaluating the credibility of information sources is crucial because not all sources are created equal. Some may have political or ideological biases, which can affect the accuracy and objectivity of the information presented.

What are the four criteria mentioned in the script for evaluating a website's credibility?

The four criteria for evaluating a website's credibility are: Authority and credibility, Objectivity bias and purpose, Currency, and References or documentation.

How can a website's authority and credibility be assessed?

A website's authority and credibility can be assessed by checking the organization behind the site, looking for clear indications of the entity responsible for the content, and verifying if it is a reputable source such as a government agency or a recognized institution.

What does objectivity bias and purpose mean in the context of evaluating websites?

Objectivity bias and purpose refer to evaluating whether the information on a website is presented without bias and whether the site's main goal is to inform or if it serves a political or promotional agenda.

Why is the currency of information important when evaluating a website?

The currency of information is important because it indicates how up-to-date the content is. Information that is current is more likely to be relevant and accurate, which is crucial for research and decision-making.

How can one determine if a website provides proper references or documentation?

A website provides proper references or documentation if it lists its sources, links to other relevant sites, and indicates when the information was last updated, showing transparency and supporting the credibility of the content.

What additional factors can help in evaluating a website beyond the four main criteria?

Additional factors for evaluating a website include ease of navigation, a list of links to related organizations or publications, and the presence of high-relevancy, accuracy, and scholarly information such as peer-reviewed journals and primary research material.

How can one get help with research questions at the Stewart library, as mentioned in the script?

At the Stewart library, one can get help with research questions by chatting live with librarians via the 'Ask a Librarian' link, calling, emailing, or visiting the Reference Desk in person.