As you gather sources, you will need to examine them with a critical eye. Chapter 8: The Writing Process: How Do I Begin? If you have trouble finding sources on a topic, consult a librarian to see whether you need to modify your search terms. An article by the Ivey Business Journal supports this idea by expressing that trust is a key factor in building loyalty, increasing credibility, and supporting effective communication. Just as important as the authors credibility is the publications overall reputability. Any advertisements on a site should be clearly marked as such. Some, such as popular magazine articles or company brochures, may be written to market a product or a cause. Textbooks, hard news articles, and websites approach a subject from different angles as well. These sources would be considered secondary sources because they are one step removed from the primary source of information. n. credible information. At best, these sites can be a starting point for finding other, more trustworthy sources. No matter the research pattern, structure, and organization of a research paper, if its findings are considered unreliable, they will be unhelpful. Websites and blogs - can be reliable or unreliable, hoaxes or sincere misinformation. Stevenson University Onlines Masters in Communication Studies program equips working professionals with the skills to identify and deliver reliable information. For instance, you might interview a professor who has expertise in a particular subject, a worker within a particular industry, or a representative from a political organization. These, along with the research questions you identified in Chapter 11 Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?, Section 11.2 Steps in Developing a Research Proposal, will help you find sources using any of the following methods: You probably already have some keywords in mind based on your preliminary research and writing. Searching for academic sources, students should remember about the validity and reliability of the information. To find expert views, opinions, and research on your topic. Sometimes, however, a sources reliabilityor lack of itis not so obvious. Understand why many electronic resources are not reliable. 1.4 Introduction to Writing: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 2.8 Writing Basics: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 3.9 Punctuation: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 4.7 Working with Words: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 5.3 Count and Noncount Nouns and Articles, 5.9 Help for English Language Learners: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 6.2 Effective Means for Writing a Paragraph, 6.3 Writing Paragraphs: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 7.4 Refining Your Writing: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 8.5 The Writing Process: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 9.1 Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement, 9.4 Writing Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs, 9.5 Writing Essays: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 10.10 Rhetorical Modes: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 11.2 Steps in Developing a Research Proposal, 11.4 Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information, 11.5 Critical Thinking and Research Applications, 11.6 Writing from Research: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 12.1 Creating a Rough Draft for a Research Paper, 12.2 Developing a Final Draft of a Research Paper, 12.3 Writing a Research Paper: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 13.4 Using Modern Language Association (MLA) Style, 13.5 APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 14.2 Incorporating Effective Visuals into a Presentation, 14.4 Creating Presentations: End-of-Chapter Exercises. WebAccurate, reliable and timely information is vital to effective decision-making in almost every aspect of human endeavour, whether it be undertaken by individuals, community Jorge read these studies with a critical eye, knowing that a hidden agenda might be shaping the researchers conclusions. It is important to be able to distinguish between them! There is constant pressure to WebReliable Information synonyms - 305 Words and Phrases for Reliable Information. Review your search results and identify six to eight additional terms you might use when you conduct your research. Whether you are a journalist, researcher, writer, or someone in the professional fields, it is important to know how to identify real information and use it accurately. The site is secure. As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the decimation of journalism in many areas of the world constitutes a growing threat, bringing existing challenges to a tipping point, the organizations said in a joint statement. Save your search results. Recognize that any of these formats takes time and effort. ), Heading summing up the main topic covered, Authors name, a source code, or an abbreviated source title, Full URL of any pages buried deep in a website. News outlets forced out of business, attacks and threats against journalists, and an avalanche of disinformation were cited as some of the main challenges in 2020 for the news industry, during a World Press Freedom Conference panel earlier this month. The Importance of Operations & Maintenance Process Safety Management Training 05.1.2023. They also provide a valuable service to workers in various fields. If your doctors office has a website, it may include a list of recommended links. In many cases, producing these publications requires research. They can be used to measure/record a wide range of business activities - both internal and external. Hidden agendas are goals that are not immediately obvious but influence how an author presents the facts. They cover thousands of topics, and many articles use an informal, straightforward writing style. Primary sources are direct, firsthand sources of information or data. Is the website owner or sponsor a federal agency, medical school, hospital, or large professional or nonprofit organization, or is it related to one of these? This can be a rough indication of the articles quality or, at the very least, of its influence and reputation among other scholars. Discuss what you find with your doctor before making any changes to your health care. But the cost of poor data is pretty much evident. However, they do not cover subjects in as much depth as high-quality sources, and they are not always rigorously researched and reviewed. Be careful about the information you share through social media sites. 240-453-8280odphpinfo@hhs.govhttps://health.gov/. If the material is not authored by an expert, has the information been reviewed by a health care professional or other credentialed specialist? UNESCO will be an observer at the working group, he added. Some of these resources are also widely available in electronic format. Chapter 7: Refining Your Writing: How Do I Improve My Writing Technique? Now it is time to conduct a more focused, systematic search for informative primary and secondary sources. Some provide up-to-date medical news and reliable health information, and some do not. Government publications include reports, legislation, court documents, public records, statistics, studies, guides, programs, and forms. The following are some of the electronic sources you might consult: The techniques you use to locate print resources can also help you find electronic resources efficiently. Increasingly, libraries use online databases that users can access through the library website. The diversity of news sources thus makes the internet a more reliable source of news and information (Seught, 2011). Common sense will help you identify obviously questionable sources, such as tabloids that feature tales of alien abductions, or personal websites with glaring typos. With Easily review and analyze important data to make more informed decisions. Social media websites and apps are online communities through which people can connect with friends, family, and strangers. Often, the date the information was created and reviewed or updated will appear at the bottom of the page. Reliable information refers to news shared by sources that, most of the time, report news accurately, while misinformation refers to news shared by sources that The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on media globally, with increased censorship and harassment of journalists in many countries, but also a renewed awareness of the importance of reliable reporting, media experts say. Read and trust reliable sources like the CDC and other reputable sources. Identify at least three to five articles to review more closely. Having accurate and timely information is critical to the decision-making process. Table 11.1 Library Print Resources lists different types of print resources available at public and university libraries. Always use a strong password. While cookies may enhance your web experience, they can also compromise your online privacy, so it is important to read about the information the website collects and how the organization will use it. Read carefully, and notice how well the author presents and supports his or her statements. (If you prefer the latter option, many office software packages include separate programs for recording bibliographic information. Be cautious about testimonials, individual blogs, and posts on discussion boards. Apps may also collect data about you as you use them. These sources should be avoided. Writing for Success by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. That criteria are as follows: The internet is scattered with biased, misleading, and altogether incorrect information and that is why it is important to follow the above criteria. The information environment will improve In the next 10 years, on balance, the information environment will be IMPROVED by changes that reduce the spread of lies and other misinformation online. Bachelors to Masters Option Allows Students to Reap Rewards of Graduate Level Learning. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. Stevenson University Online builds partnerships with employers and academic institutions across the region to help adult students earn their degrees. WebYou can get information from a variety of sources. As Jorge conducted his research, he read several research studies in which scientists found significant benefits to following a low-carbohydrate diet. Reliable sources of information will have a few things in common. The importance of these skills is far-reaching. We've been very conscious of the importance of fully understanding how COVID-19 has affected, in various different ways, the reality of our partners: media platforms, mainstream and new online media platforms, but also freedom of expression and press freedom organizations, Hjberg told VOA. When used correctly, financial and production systems can provide information snapshots in real-time to allow a company to quickly respond to events. Their web addresses will Stevenson Online supports the Universitys core values; it is our goal to help you achieve career success. If the author is listed, are they an expert in the field? Free online encyclopedias and wikis may seem like a great source of information. Based on what I know about the author, are there likely to be any hidden agendas? WebSummary. Does the author support ideas with specific facts and details that are carefully documented? Now is a good time to get a little ruthless. Chapter 4: Working with Words: Which Word Is Right? Their purpose is to inform and, often, to entertain or persuade readers as well. The system calculates payroll for you based on time collected, reducing manual calculations that can lead to costly mistakes. Make sure your notes include the following elements: Throughout the process of taking notes, be scrupulous about making sure you have correctly attributed each idea to its source. The second stage will involve the development of a prototype portal designed to provide tailored, reliable information for people seeking to travel overseas for treatment. A contributors connection to the website, and any financial stake they have regarding the information on the website, should be made clear. In contrast, only 1 in 3 say it is very important that digital sources allow people to comment on news. The It is more and more important to check information sources, especially on the internet and using social media. But, Hjberg said, the need for reliable information has reawakened the public to the importance of critical, reliable information.. Sometimes, the website address (called a URL) is helpful for identifying the type of agency or organization that owns the site. At this point in your research process, you may have identified dozens of potential sources. As you dig deeper into your scholarly research, books and academic journals are usually your best bet. reliable data. It is also important to strengthen and increase investment in the production of scientific evidence, and to recognize and build upon the tireless work Reliable information must come from dependable sources. According to UGA Libraries, a reliable source will provide a thorough, well-reasoned theory, argument, etc. based on strong evidence. Widely credible sources include: Magazine articles, books and newspaper articles from well-established companies Older information isnt useless, but using the most current, evidence-based information is ideal. This data has to be accurate and a correct representation of the facts. Credible communication is key in business success and that is why you should An article published in 2002 about this topic will not provide current information. But some is not. Writers evaluate sources based on how relevant they are to the research question and how reliable their content is. Written information that The .gov means its official. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is another one. An official website of the United States government. WebEnsuring data reliability is one of the main objectives of data integrityinitiatives, which are also used to maintain data security, data quality, and regulatory compliance. WebThe importance of using reliable sources truly boils down to effective communication. Before you begin taking notes, take a moment to step back and think about your goal as a researcherto find information that will help you answer your research question. Scholarly books and scientific studies are usually written for an audience that has specialized knowledge of a topic. This information Reference works provide a summary of information about a particular topic. Research. In this section, you will locate and evaluate resources for your paper and begin taking notes. Content reviewed: It will also help you make connections between your notes and the research questions and subtopics you identified earlier. If you follow certain periodicals or websites, you have probably identified publications that consistently provide reliable information. With the information, the company's strategies have a firm foundation Webbased system, provide more reliable information for health travellers given the importance information and information sources have on travellers decision making. If you believe an older adult in your life has been the target of a scam, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 8333728311. The different types of sources you will consult are written for distinct purposes and with different audiences in mind. Fact-checking websites can also help you determine if a story is reliable. When writing a research paper, preparing a speech, or doing another project that relies on information from outside sources, it is necessary to ensure the information is valid. Newspapers and magazines are written for a broader audience than scholarly journals. Writers use strategies to help them find the sources that are most relevant and reliable while steering clear of sources that will not be useful. What matters is that you keep materials in order; record bibliographical information you will need later; and take detailed, organized notes. Longevity and reputation are important factors that contribute to the reliability of books as a source of knowledge. Strategies that help writers locate sources efficiently include conducting effective keyword searches, understanding how to use online catalogs and databases, using strategies to narrow web search results, and consulting reference librarians. The challenge here is to conduct your search efficiently. This argument also holds true when we talk about making business decisions based on data received via the Internet. These operators allow you to combine keywords, find variations on a word, and otherwise expand or limit your results. While the chirping can be annoying, you know that your device needs to be operational in order to protect you and your family from a fire. Read the dust jacket and table of contents for a broad overview of the topics covered. At this point in your research process, you may Not all sources found online are reliable, and many students need help in understanding how to find credible information in the pale of The same Boolean operators used to refine database searches can help you filter your results in popular search engines. WebThe Importance of Reliable Information When Making Decisions Wednesday, 30 December 2020 In the business world, decisions are made every day that impact many people within and out-side of your firm. Sources may be Hence, using credible sources for information will increase your reputation and trustworthiness. If you are using articles from scholarly journals, you can check databases that keep count of how many times each article has been cited in other articles. Trustworthy websites will also have contact information an email address, phone number, and/or mailing address that you can use to reach the sites sponsor. One way to learn better search strategies is to consult a reference librarian. January 12, 2023. Depending on the specific search engine you use, the following options may be available: Use the Bookmarks or Favorites feature of your web browser to save and organize sites that look promising. Flip through the book and look for subtitles or key terms that correspond to your research. Executives make larger, and high-level decisions about which direction to take the company in. Key Even so, you should be aware of political bias. This security feature requires the use of two different types of personal information to log into your mobile devices or accounts. With the infinite amount of information online, it can be difficult to decipher what is true and accurate and what is not. To ensure the quality and reliability of your research. Schedule a time to meet, and be sure to obtain your subjects permission to record the interview. Conduct a keyword search to find potentially relevant articles on your topic. Chapter 11: Writing from Research: What Will I Learn? Reliable medical information is going to be based on peer-reviewed, evidence-based science. Once you have thought about what kinds of sources are most likely to help you answer your research questions, you may begin your search for print and electronic resources. Include all the information you would for any other book. Does the source include any factual errors or instances of faulty logic? During campaign times therefore both voters and candidates find it important to utilize the internet. You may use pen-and-paper methods, such as a notebook or note cards, or maintain an electronic list. Questions to ask before trusting a website, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, learn how to evaluate health information online, Learn about how to safely use public Wi-Fi networks, Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age, Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist: Documents to Prepare for the Future, Hospitalization for infection linked to higher dementia risk, Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Doctor's Visit. Table 11.3 Tips for Skimming Books and Articles. Use quotation marks to set off any words for phrases taken directly from the original text. One way to refine your keyword search is to use Boolean operators. To weed through your stack of books and articles, skim their contents. As you determine which sources you will rely on most, it is important to establish a system for keeping track of your sources and taking notes. But, Hjberg told VOA, the IMS also saw a gradual increase of trust in media and civil society as citizens looked for information they were unable to get from authorities. How thoroughly the writers cover a given topic, How carefully the writers research and document facts, What biases or agendas affect the content, Scholarly books and articles in scholarly journals, Trade books and magazines geared toward an educated general audience, such as, Government documents, such as books, reports, and web pages, Documents posted online by reputable organizations, such as universities and research institutes, Textbooks and reference books, which are usually reliable but may not cover a topic in great depth, News stories and feature articles (print or online) from reputable newspapers, magazines, or organizations, such as, Popular magazine articles, which may or may not be carefully researched and fact checked, Documents published by businesses and nonprofit organizations, Loosely regulated or unregulated media content, such as Internet discussion boards, blogs, free online encyclopedias, talk radio shows, television news shows with obvious political biases, personal websites, and chat rooms. You might consider calling your doctors office or health insurance company to give this information over the phone rather than providing it online. Limit results to scholarly works available online. The pandemic has underscored the importance of ensuring the survival of local media. Check credentials carefully. From medical Often, incorporating research in these documents can make them more effective in informing or persuading readers. Relevant: It applies to your needs. This site allows you to search for a topic and see the related subject headings used by the Library of Congress, including broader terms, narrower terms, and related terms. Click on the Advanced Search link on the homepage to find additional options for streamlining your search. Learn more about Stevenson University Online's programs by joining us at our online or on-site events throughout the year. Credibility is especially important to business professionals because using unreliable data can cause internal and external stakeholders to question your decisions and rely solely on their own opinions rather than factual data. Several other initiatives are working on the same issue so it made sense to cooperate, Berger said. The goal of any trustworthy health information website is to provide accurate, current, and useful information versus trying to make a sale. Some types of resources, such as a television documentary, may only be available electronically. n. Like catalogs, they provide publication information about an article and often allow users to access a summary or even the full text of the article. For example, you might find information from: For example, you might find information from: print media , such as books, newspapers and magazines Be careful about sharing your Social Does the site offer contact information? Informing is the primary purpose of a scholarly journal. If you come across information from a source that you dont recognize, do a Google search. Open-ended questions, rather than questions with simple yes-or-no answers, are more likely to lead to an in-depth discussion. If you add your own responses and ideas, make sure they are distinct from ideas you quoted or paraphrased. Beware of sources on the internet that look like reputable magazines, and newspapers, but don't have reliable content. If you are not sure how you should begin your search, or if it is yielding too many or too few results, you are not alone. Fact is, the ROI of any data quality initiative is elusive. WebExamples of Reliable information in a sentence. To locate shorter sources, such as magazine and journal articles, you will need to use a periodical index or an online periodical database. The constant chirping of your smoke detector alerts you to change its batteries. That way, if you need to locate a source again, you have all the information you need right at your fingertips. Check the source of the information, and make sure the original author is credible. National Library of Medicinewww.medlineplus.gov, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) Longevity and Reputation. Cookies are small text files that enable a website to collect and remember information about your visit. Seek out academic journals along with other resources. He also noticed that many studies were sponsored by a foundation associated with the author of a popular series of low-carbohydrate diet books. As a rule, health websites sponsored by federal government agencies are accurate sources of information. Many older adults share a common concern: Can I trust the health information I find online? There are thousands of medical websites. Do the authors conclusions logically follow from the evidence that is presented? Be sure to seek out sources that are current, or up to date. When evaluating a source, it is important to consider all three of these because they all impact reliability. Does the author work for an organization and, if so, what are the goals of that organization? Make a list of five types of print resources you could use to find information about your research topic. The most common characteristic among reliable people is that their word is gold. Why was the site created? When faced with the challenge of writing a research paper, some students rely on popular search engines as their first source of information. If the site name ends with .edu, it is most likely an educational institution. Print out the search results or save the results to your research folder on your computer or portable storage device. How to Find Reliable Health Information about Covid-19. Because knowledgeable professionals carefully review the content before publication, scholarly journals are far more reliable than much of the information available in popular media. Your notes will fall under three categoriessummary notes, paraphrased information, and direct quotations from your sources. From the moment a student approaches Stevenson University Online, they receive one-on-one guidance and support. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. They usually appear among the first few results of a web search. Beware of medical information provided by organisations trying to sell a particular product or service information written to sell products or services is not medical advice. These sources are often useful. Other primary sources include the following: Secondary sources discuss, interpret, analyze, consolidate, or otherwise rework information from primary sources. https:// Medical apps can support your health in many ways. An official website of the National Institutes of Health, Division of Behavioral and Social Research, Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, Training Opportunities for Special Populations, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Funding Announcements, Alzheimers & Related Dementias Press Kit, National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA), Advances in Aging and Alzheimer's Research, How To Find Reliable Health Information Online, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Are there any obvious biases or agendas? Include at least one primary source. But how can you tell whether a source is reliable? Use them with caution. Be careful about sharing your Social Security number. The two groups will inform each other about their work, as well as other stakeholders in the media development community. WebAs there is so much information available and because such information can be published quickly and easily by anybody and at any time, it is important that you are vigilant in choosing reliable sources. The importance of information - Author: David Kaye. Without reliable sources of information, the company is guessing about its strategic course. Historical documents such as diaries or letters, Autobiographies or other personal accounts, A companys instruction manual explaining how to use a specific software program, A news release published by the Sierra Club, Using the librarys online catalog or card catalog.