ASK Online Learning Resources 2.1: Evaluating Information - Six questions

Summary

This script emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating information before incorporating it into academic work. It highlights the necessity of assessing the credibility, relevance, and accuracy of sources, given the prevalence of conflicting opinions, misinformation, and fake news. The script introduces a six-question framework—'who,' 'what,' 'when,' 'where,' 'how,' and 'why'—to guide researchers in scrutinizing sources. It underscores the value of this skill for academic integrity and employability, encouraging a discerning approach to information consumption.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Evaluate information before using it in your work.
• 🔎 There are many sources of information available online, including websites, books, journal articles, and videos.
• ⚠️ Information online may contain conflicting opinions, contradictory facts, and misinformation.
• 🧠 Learn to critically assess whether information is trustworthy, accurate, and relevant to your work.
• ❓ Use six questions to evaluate information: who, what, when, where, how, and why.
• 👤 Who: Consider the author's qualifications and intended audience.
• 📚 What: Check if the information is relevant to your topic and appropriate in depth and format.
• ⏳ When: Make sure the information is up-to-date for your needs.
• 🌍 Where: Consider if the source is scholarly or popular and whether it is credible.
• 🔬 How: Assess the reliability of the data and whether the information is objective.
• 🤔 Why: Understand the authors' motivation and whether they are trying to influence your perspective.

Q & A

Why is it important to evaluate information before using it in academic work?

Evaluating information is crucial to ensure that the work is based on trustworthy, appropriate, accurate, and relevant sources. This helps prevent the use of conflicting opinions, inaccurate data, and misinformation.

What are the six simple questions to ask when critically evaluating sources?

The six questions are: Who wrote the information, What exactly is the information, When was it published or last updated, Where did you find the information, How did the authors reach their conclusions, and Why did the authors write the information.

What does 'Who' refer to when evaluating a source?

'Who' refers to the authors of the information, their affiliations, sponsors, intended audience, and their qualifications. It also includes whether the work has been cited by other writers and academics.

Why is it necessary to consider the 'What' aspect of a source?

The 'What' aspect helps determine the relevance and quality of the information. It involves assessing how well the information relates to the topic, supports arguments, or provides alternative viewpoints, and whether the level and format of the information are appropriate.

How does the 'When' question help in evaluating a source?

The 'When' question helps in determining the currency and up-to-date nature of the information. It's important to know when the information was last updated or published to ensure its relevance to current research or historical perspectives.

What insights does the 'Where' question provide during source evaluation?

The 'Where' question helps in understanding the source's appropriateness by identifying where the information was found. It can reveal the publisher's credibility through the source type, such as scholarly journals, popular media, or websites with specific URLs.

Why is the 'How' question significant in the evaluation process?

The 'How' question is significant because it examines the methodology and evidence behind the authors' conclusions. It assesses the reliability of data, the verifiability of sources, and the objectivity and inclusiveness of the work.

What does the 'Why' question reveal about a source?

The 'Why' question reveals the authors' motivations for writing the information. It can uncover whether they are trying to sell something, persuade readers of a viewpoint, or influence them for personal gain, and assesses the emotiveness of their language.

How does evaluating information subjectively depend on the type of information you're looking for?

Evaluating information subjectively depends on the type of information because authoritative sources like books and journal articles are key for academic research, while company reports, newspapers, or blogs might be more appropriate for other types of inquiries.

What is the importance of not taking anything for granted when evaluating sources?

Not taking anything for granted ensures a critical approach to source evaluation, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of academic work. It encourages a habit of questioning and verifying the credibility of all information encountered.

Why is the ability to quickly and effectively evaluate information valued by graduate employers?

The ability to quickly and effectively evaluate information is valued by graduate employers because it demonstrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and the capacity to discern reliable sources, which are crucial for making informed decisions in professional settings.