Internet Expertise for Researchers 101: Becoming a Critical Thinker Library Research Tool Kit Workshop May 6, 2013 Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

What will this session cover? Information Seeking Behaviour Research Cycle Critical Thinking Evaluating Information Internet Articles Books Hands-on Activity Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Researching through the Internet: Where do you go first? Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

The Research Cycle Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Critical thinking: You must demonstrate that you are willing to examine popular beliefs, assumptions and opinions and weigh them against facts. Support your thesis statement with research. Analyse your assignment questions: What does this question mean? How much detail does your professor require? Analyse your assignment questions: What does this question mean? How much detail does your professor require? Where do I begin? Read about your topic – know your subject matter. Brainstorm ideas Think about Key Words & Key Concepts Write your thesis statement Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Questions to ask: Question! Question! Question! Is this source reliable? Is this source current? Have opinions changed? What are the current trends in this research area? Are there any gaps in the research? Is something missing? Who is the author? Are they an expert in this field? Do they represent multiple points of view or do they express bias for their own point of view? Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

HOW DO I REMEMBER WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK? Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Currency How recent is the information? Can you locate a date when the resource was written/created/updated? Based on your topic, is this current enough? Why might the date matter for your topic? Reliability What kind of information is included in the resource? Is the content primarily opinion? Is the information balanced or biased? Does the author provide citations & references for data? Authority Can you determine who the author/creator is? What are their credentials (education, affiliation, experience)? Who is the publisher or sponsor of the work/site? Is this publisher/sponsor reputable? Purpose / Point of View What’s the intent of the article (to persuade you, to sell something)? For Web resources, what is the domain (.edu,.com, etc.)? How might that influence the purpose/point of view? Are there ads on the Web site? How do they relate to the topic? Is the author presenting fact or opinion? C A R P

EXERCISE: Evaluate these websites Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

WHAT ABOUT BOOKS & ARTICLES? Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS ASK THE SAME QUESTIONS!

Scholarly vs. Popular Popular Magazines Written by journalists, students, popular authors, or no author listed Flashy covers Advertisements Brief articles Trade Journals: Business, Finance, Industry (Written by experts, but may not be peer reviewed) Newspapers Scholarly Journals Written by experts Evaluated by experts: “Peer Reviewed” Authoritative Source Usually include: – Credentials of the Author – Abstract – Bibliography – Specialized vocabulary – Reference List Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Scholarly Books Popular Novels, i.e, Harlequin Romance Written by journalists, students, popular authors, or no author listed May be written by a professional, but content intended for mass audience or advertising purposes Flashy covers No references or alternative sources listed Scholarly Written by experts Evaluated and/or edited by experts: “Peer Reviewed” Authoritative Source Publishers, i.e., University Presses Usually include: – Credentials of the Author – Abstract – Bibliography – Specialized vocabulary – Reference List Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Image Source: Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Ask a Librarian: We’re here to help you In-Library In-Person Reference Desk Personal Appointments Telephone: Online LiveHelp Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

QUESTIONS ? Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Thank You! Suzanne van den Hoogen Liaison Librarian for: Anthropology Development Studies Political Science Sociology Women’s Studies Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS