Good ResearchKeeping Bad Research Off the Streets... and

Out of Papers

Goal

By the end of this presentation, students will be able to evaluate research

This will aid in putting together the presentation we just started to work on

Issues with ResearchHuge quantity of information (how do you decide?)

Sensationalized sources (newspapers, tabloids, websites,etc)

Propaganda (vote for me, buy this, accept me)

Bias/motivation

Consequences of Poor Source Use

Lack of credibility

Lack of readership

Death, destruction, and despair... for your project

Little pieces of your teacher’s soul die

How do I evaluate sources?

Read the Preface

Browse through the Table of Contents-this will give you an overview of the source

Check for citations

They could lead to related material

Consider the tone, style, level of information, and assumptions the author makes about the reader

do they match your needs?

Fact, Fiction, or Propaganda?

Let’s play a little game called good

source, bad source

How do I evaluate sources?

Is the language objective or emotional?

Emotionally charged writing lacks credibility in research

Is it opinion-based?

Does the author offer reasons for stance? Is he/she reputable?

Check for Accuracy

Is it timely?

Information older than your teacher is a bad choice

How do I evaluate sources?

How credible is the author?

IF the author is a dude that knows a guy, it may not be credible

Are there vague or sweeping generalizations that aren’t backed up with evidence?

Making assumptions can damage your argument

Are arguments very one-sided with no acknowledgement of other view points?

Credibility can be affected if all sides aren’t addressed

Print vs. Internet: BasicsPrint Sources

Traditional print sources go through an extensive publication process

Editing and article review

Fact checkers

Editors

Internet Sources

Anyone with a computer and access to the internet can publish something

Lack Reviewers

Lack fact checkers

Lack editors

Print vs. Internet: BiasPrint Sources

More $$, making it harder to manipulate

Publishers want $$, so they won’t do what interest groups want

Internet Sources

Online text might be misleading

Websites that seem factual could be lying to you (WHAAAAT???)

So... It comes down to this:

Shady source = BADCredible source= Good

Presentation Brainstorm