An IMPORTANT Skill!

CCurrency RReliability AAuthority/Accuracy PPurpose/Point of View

 How recent is the information? Can you find a date?  Is it current enough for your topic?  If the information is from a website, when was the site last updated?

 What kind of information is included in the resource?  Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is it balanced or biased??  Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?

 Who are the authors or creators?  What are their credentials?  How do the authors or publishers make money? How does that influence what they wrote?  Who is the publisher or sponsor?  Are they reputable?  If it's from a website, does it have advertisements?  Can you verify information from this site with information from others?

 Is this fact or opinion?  Is it biased?  What is the intent of this source?  Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?

 GOAL: Determine and select the BEST information sources related to your research topic.

 Search for info.  Scan and read and make choices (what to check out, what to print, what to save).  Decide what to accept or reject.  Summarize the viewpoints and facts you find.

 Consider what the author is saying and why.  Consider the point being made.  Does it change what you believe about the subject?  As soon as you can form a statement of what you believe to be true…jot down this CLAIM- your original position may change as you learn more about the topic.

 You are on a fact finding mission, but you will not search primarily for facts.  You will look for trends and patterns, but be sure they are supported by facts and evidence.  In order to persuade your audience, including your teacher, you must collect evidence from reliable sources!

 When you can make a valid statement supported with evidence- when you can persuade your audience!  When you have at least 3 good reasons that your claim is warranted.  When you have several facts or experts (grounds) to support your reasons.

 Infohio 

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