1. Preparing Content The Importance of Knowing How To Find Research

2. High Quality Information Criteria ◦ Factual  Is the information based on facts— not on hearsay, distortions, or oversimplifications? zazzle.com

3. High Quality Information, cont’d Reliable ◦ Does the information come from sources that are trustworthy and authoritative? logocompany.info nyt.com wiki.org madd.org ebscohost.com X X X

4. High Quality Information, cont’d Well-Supported ◦ Do the sources provide strong evidence to prove a case? ninth.courts.state.oh.us

5. High Quality Information, cont’d Is it current? calenderbar.org www.2010calendar.org

6. High Quality Information, cont’d Verifiable ◦ Can the information be cross-checked against a large number of reliable sources?

7. High Quality Information, cont’d Fair ◦ Does the information come from unbiased and evenhanded sources, and is it presented in a spirit of fair play? teaching-resources-uk.com

8.  Comprehensive  Does the information include all relevant data? myenglishclub.com

9. High Quality Information, cont’d Critical Thinking Skills ◦ Recognize Dubious Claims  Reject claims based solely on anecdotes.  Reject claims based solely on testimonials.  Reject claims based solely on opinions. www.1vigor.com

10. High Quality Information, cont’d ◦ Be Cautious in Using Polls  Some people do not respond honestly.  Results often depend upon how a question is asked.

11. High Quality Information, cont’d Analyzing Internet Sites ◦ Don’t Be Swayed by Widespread Dissemination ◦ Watch Out For Web Manipulation ◦ Don’t Be Dazzled by High-Tech Design ◦ Investigate Sponsors & Authors  Look for Author Credentials  Get information on sponsors  Examine Internet Domain Names logodesignguru.com

12. Internet Domain Search Engines com ◦ business or commercial.net- ◦ network administration organization.org- ◦ Influences public opinion and advocates for particular issues. edu- ◦ a college or university. gov- ◦ government agency, official, or organization.mil- ◦ military site

13. High Quality Information, cont’d Additional places to go for research… ◦ ACC Library ◦ User Name RCC 5268 ◦ Password TX77511 ◦ www.alvincollege.edu (academic journals) www.alvincollege.edu ◦ www.google.com (your second option) www.google.com ◦ www.refdesk.com (a plethora of info.) www.refdesk.com