Every day, you make many decisions.

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Every day, you make many decisions. These decisions are based on research, comparison, and analysis of information. You have learned to recognize arguments you may encounter and to analyze these arguments to decide whether to believe, accept, or do what you are being asked to consider. Informed analysis and decision-making may hinge on information that you have researched. This week, you will learn how to examine a source and the information it provides for accuracy.ObjectivesExplain and give examples of types of reference works and search engines. Evaluate content to separate facts from opinion by analyzing author’s credentials, biases, and intended audience. Identify and explain criteria to evaluate the trustworthiness of a source. TopicsInternet searches Reference works Basic examination of the source Characteristics of a trustworthy source Week OverviewHere is a short scenario that introduces you to the importance of finding, evaluating, and using your sources.David was surprised to see his grade on his nutrition paper. He was particularly unhappy when his instructor mentioned that his research was not up to the mark.He explained to his instructor that he had spent a great deal of time on the Internet scouring various Web sites to get the information he needed for his paper.His instructor pointed out that some of these websites could not be trusted; in fact, she showed how they contained contradictory information.David had believed that the Internet contained accurate information, at least the ones that quoted various“studies.” Now he realized that was far from the truth.Not everything that is online is true. You need to examine the source before believing the information it provides. This week, you will learn how to conduct an online search for accurate information and how to review a source to identify its trustworthiness.Reference WorksAs a critical thinker, when you are presented with a claim, your initial response may be to ask questions. How do you know that?Where did you read that? Who said that?Can you show me the information? How can I find out the truth?When you learn to seek out and recognize reliable information, you gain skills useful in your personal, educational, and professional life.Critical ThinkingVirginia College
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Week 8You may use research to select a new physician, learn about a medication, find a plumber, select a school for your child, find the best airfare, decide how to vote, choose a movie, and the list goes on and on.There are times you are able to trust a secondary source; and at other times, you will need to consult the original source. There is always a risk that you will discover that something you believe is not true.Research will help you clarify ideas and objectively investigate beliefs, assumptions, and arguments you encounter.A critical thinker is open-minded and willing and able to contemplate new information.Commonly Believed InformationDid you learn these facts?“The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.” “The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the United States.” “Witches were burned at the stake in Salem, Massachusetts.” Yes? No Commonly Believed but FalseYou may be surprised to learn that these are all commonly believed to be facts, but they are false.ReferencesDeclaration of Independence: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_history.html Emancipation Proclamation: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/emancipation_proclamation/ Witches burned: http://salemwitchmuseum.com/education/faq.php Reliable SourcesYou may recognize some of these “truths” as stated by people who are generally considered to be sources of reliable information:”Just a fad, a passing fancy.” – Phil Wrigley, Chicago Cubs owner, commenting on the advent of night baseball, C. 1935 ”There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home.” – President of Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977 “If excessive smoking actually plays a role in the production of lung cancer, it seems to be a minor one. – Dr. W. C. Heuper, National Cancer Institute, 1954 “There is growing evidence that smoking has pharmacological effects that are of real value to smokers.” – President of Philip Morris, Inc., 1962 “When the president does it that means it is not illegal.” – Richard Nixon, 1977 “Knowing of your congregation’s deep involvement in the major social and constitutional issues of our country is a great inspiration to me.” – Walter Mondale to Rev. Jim Jones “I do not consider Hitler to be as bad as he is depicted. He is showing an ability that is amazing and he seems to be gaining his victories without much bloodshed.” – Mohandas K. Gandhi, 1940

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