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Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today we're discussing different types of information sources you'll encounter in research. Can anyone name a type of source?
Books?
Yes, exactly! Books can be either non-fiction or academic. And what about articles?
Like journal articles?
Correct! Articles from reputable journals are very credible. There are also educational websites and government publications. Why is it important to distinguish between primary and secondary sources?
Because primary sources give us first-hand accounts, while secondary sources interpret those accounts.
Great point, Student_3! Remember, primary sources are original materials like letters and diaries, while secondary sources analyze these originals.
Now let's dive into how to evaluate sources. What do you think the criteria might be?
Maybe how recent it is?
That's right! We use the C.R.A.A.P. test. It stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Let’s break these down. Who can explain why Currency is important?
If information is outdated, it might not be accurate anymore!
Exactly! And what about Relevance?
It has to directly address our research topic.
Great job! Let’s continue discussing how Authority affects how much we trust a source.
Next, let's discuss some search strategies. How do you usually search for information online?
I just type in what I’m looking for.
A good start! You should also use keywords effectively and consider using Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT. Who can explain how using specific keywords helps?
It narrows down the search to more relevant results.
That's a key point! Also remember to look for reliable domains like .edu, .gov, and .org. Not all websites are credible.
Now it's your turn! I have a hypothetical research question and a list of sources. I need you to evaluate these sources using the C.R.A.A.P. criteria.
What if I think a source is unreliable? What should I do?
Good question! If you find it unreliable, explain your reasoning based on the criteria. Let’s start!
This article is really old, so it fails the Currency test.
Exactly! Keep discussing with your peers, and share your evaluations.
To find sources that are right, check the date, and see the sight.
Imagine searching for treasure. You need a map (C.R.A.A.P.) to find the best clues to support your claims!
Use 'C.R.A.A.P.' to remember: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.
Think of 'S.E.C.R.E.T.' for types of sources: Stories (primary), Explanations (secondary), Credible Evidence, Research Works (journals), Educational Sites, Textbooks.
Term
What is a primary source?
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Term
Explain the acronym C.R.A.A.P.
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Term
What distinguishes primary sources from secondary sources?
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An original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence of a topic.
A source that interprets or analyzes primary sources, such as textbooks or articles.
Criteria for evaluating the credibility of a source: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.
This section focuses on the importance of identifying and locating reliable sources for academic research.
Students learn about different types of reliable sources, the criteria for evaluating them, and practical search strategies to find credible information. Emphasis is on understanding both primary and secondary sources and applying evaluation criteria such as the C.R.A.A.P. test.
In this section, students are guided through the critical process of identifying and locating reliable sources essential for academic research. The section begins by distinguishing between various source types, including non-fiction and academic books, articles from reputable journals, educational websites, government publications, interviews, and documentaries. It emphasizes the importance of understanding primary sources, which offer original accounts, and secondary sources that analyze or interpret these original accounts. Additionally, students are introduced to the C.R.A.A.P. criteria for evaluating sources: Currency (the recency of information), Relevance (the information's relation to the topic), Authority (the credibility of the creator), Accuracy (the factual correctness), and Purpose (the information's intention and any potential bias). Practical search strategies are also discussed, focusing on efficient use of search engines and recognizing reliable website domains. Finally, an activity allows students to evaluate a list of diverse sources against these criteria, reinforcing their understanding of the importance of reliable information in their research.