Academic Research and Information Literacy

Study Notes

Source Evaluation

CRAAP Test:
- Currency: Is the information up-to-date?
- Relevance: Is the information relevant to the topic?
- Authority: Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
- Accuracy: Is the information accurate and reliable?
- Purpose: What is the purpose of the information?
Evaluating Sources:
- Consider the author's credentials and expertise
- Check for peer-review and academic credentials
- Be cautious of bias and conflicting interests
- Verify information through multiple sources

Citation Styles

Common Citation Styles:
- MLA (Modern Language Association)
- APA (American Psychological Association)
- Chicago/Turabian
- IEEE
Importance of Citation:
- Gives credit to original authors
- Allows readers to access cited sources
- Maintains academic integrity
- Helps to avoid plagiarism

Academic Integrity

What is Academic Integrity?:
- Honesty and fairness in academic work
- Avoiding plagiarism and cheating
- Properly citing sources
Consequences of Plagiarism:
- Failure in a course or entire program
- Loss of academic reputation
- Legal consequences

Search Strategies

Effective Search Strategies:
- Use specific keywords and phrases
- Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
- Utilize advanced search features
- Consider using academic databases and libraries

Information Literacy

What is Information Literacy?:
- Ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to navigate complex information environments
Importance of Information Literacy:
- Essential for academic success
- Crucial for lifelong learning and professional development
- Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Credible Resources and Bias

Identifying Credible Resources:
- Government websites (.gov)
- Educational institutions (.edu)
- Peer-reviewed journals and articles
- Reputable news sources
Recognizing Bias:
- Identify the author's purpose and tone
- Look for evidence and data to support claims
- Be aware of emotional appeals and sensational language
- Consider multiple sources and perspectives

Description

Test your knowledge of academic research skills, including source evaluation, citation styles, academic integrity, search strategies, and information literacy. Learn how to identify credible resources, recognize bias, and avoid plagiarism.