Week 5: Information, Research and Estimation

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Questions and Answers

The lecture in Week 5 on 'Finding and Trusting Information' defines sources as?

Recorded facts

The materials from which ideas and information are gathered (correct)

None of these options are correct

The circumstances that form the setting of an event

Based on the lecture in Week 5 on 'Finding and Trusting Information', which of the following statements about information is correct?

"Information can be reliable, but not valid"

"Information can be unreliable, but still valid"

The first statement is true and the second statement is false

The first statement is false and the second statement is true

Both statements are false

Both statements are true (correct)

Based on the lecture in Week 5 on 'Finding and Trusting Information', what is the purpose of referencing? (Select all that are applicable)

For the writer to remember where they got the information from (correct)

Point the reader to the original documents so that they can determine independently whether the attributed sources support the author's argument as written (correct)

To allow the writer to copy other writers' work

Acknowledge the original source of ideas and work that is not the author's own (correct)

Based on the lecture in Week 5 on 'Finding and Trusting Information' is the following statement true or false?

"Print sources such as books and journals are the most frequently used sources in academic writing".

True Signup and view all the answers

The lecture in Week 5 on 'Finding and Trusting Information' discusses 'Data', 'Information', 'Knowledge' and 'Wisdom'.

Match the following examples to the term that best describes the example.

Data A red and round object. Information The object is a tomato. Knowledge The tomato is a fruit. Wisdom Don't put tomato in a fruit salad.

Data = A red and round object. Information = The object is a tomato. Knowledge = The tomato is a fruit. Wisdom = Don't put tomato in a fruit salad. Signup and view all the answers

The lecture in Week 5 on 'Finding and Trusting Information' discusses Plagiarism. Is the following statement about plagiarism true or false?

"Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement".

True Signup and view all the answers

When using sources to gather information to use in your work, which of the following things should you NOT do? (Select all that are applicable)

Copy large pieces of text from a source without citing the source. Signup and view all the answers

When using sources to gather information for your work, which of the following practices should you definitely follow? (Select all that apply)

Put all the sources you used throughout your work in the reference list Signup and view all the answers

Based on the reading 'Research Methods: What are research methods?', match the following data collection techniques to the correct type of research:

Interviews = Qualitative Techniques or Tools Focus groups = Qualitative Techniques or Tools Surveys or questionnaires = Quantitative Techniques or Tools Document screening = Quantitative Techniques or Tools Observation(s) = Qualitative & Quantitative Techniques or Tools Document analysis = Qualitative Techniques or Tools Oral history or life stories = Qualitative Techniques or Tools Experiments = Quantitative Techniques or Tools Signup and view all the answers

Based on the reading 'What is Qualitative vs. Quantitative Study?', what are the benefits of Qualitative Studies? (Select all that apply)

Allows for flexibility Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations of Quantitative Studies? (Select all that are applicable)

Participants cannot tailor their response Signup and view all the answers

Based on the reading 'Six Reasons Why Research is Important', what are the six reasons why research is important? (Select all that apply)

Helps in business success Signup and view all the answers

Based on the reading 'Six Reasons Why Research is Important,' order the following steps in the sequence you should follow to improve your research skills:

Start with the big picture and work your way down = Step:1 Identify Reliable Source = Step:2 Validate Information from Various Sources = Step:3 Take in new Information = Step:4 Facilitates Learning Process = Step:5 Stay Organised = Step:6 Make Use of the library's Resources = Step:7 Signup and view all the answers

Based on the reading 'How do you know what information sources to trust?', what is one feature social media platforms have to help users check the integrity of pages or accounts they are viewing?

Page Transparency Tool Signup and view all the answers

Based on the reading 'Information Overload: Why it Matters and How to Combat It', which of the following statements best describes the significance of information overload?

Information overload can lead to reduced productivity, impaired decision-making, and increased stress levels. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Sources

Sources are the foundation for any research, encompassing anything from books and articles to websites and even personal experiences.

Understanding Information

Information can be reliable, meaning it is accurate and consistent with other known facts.
Information can also be valid, meaning it is relevant and appropriate for the purpose it is being used for.
Information can be unreliable but still valid, meaning it may not be factually accurate but is still useful for a particular purpose.

The Purpose of Referencing

Acknowledge the source of information: This demonstrates respect for the original author's work and helps avoid plagiarism.
Support your arguments: Referencing provides evidence to back up claims, making your work more convincing and authoritative.
Allow readers to verify information: References enable readers to locate the original source and check the information for themselves.
Contribute to the scholarly conversation: Referencing connects your work to a broader body of research, fostering ongoing dialogue and advancement in a field.

Print Sources in Academic Writing

Print sources are not necessarily the most frequently used in academic writing.

Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom

Data: Raw, unprocessed facts or observations, e.g., "A red and round object".
Information: Processed data with meaning and context, e.g., "The object is a tomato."
Knowledge: Understanding and applying information, often through experience or learning, e.g., "The tomato is a fruit."
Wisdom: Applying knowledge to make sound judgments and decisions, e.g., "Don't put tomatoes in a fruit salad."

Plagiarism

Plagiarism involves presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, without proper acknowledgement.

Using Sources

Don't:
- Copy and paste text directly from sources. - Paraphrase and summarize information in your own words.
- Use sources without proper citation. - Always attribute the source of information.
- Misrepresent the author's intention. - Understand the author's message and ensure you don't misinterpret their meaning.
- Over-rely on sources.
- Use sources without understanding them fully. - Ensure you understand the content before integrating it into your work.
- Fabricate or falsify information. - Always use genuine and verifiable sources.
Do:
- Paraphrase and summarize information in your own words.
- Use quotation marks when directly quoting text.
- Cite sources using a consistent format.
- Understand the context of the source you are using.
- Use sources appropriately to support your arguments.
- Ensure that your sources are credible and reliable.
- Check for plagiarism before submitting your work.

Data Collection Techniques

Quantitative Research: Focuses on numbers and statistical analysis.
- Surveys: Gathering data through structured questionnaires.
- Experiments: Controlled environments to test hypotheses and measure results.
- Observations: Measuring and recording behavior or phenomena.
Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding experiences and perspectives.
- Interviews: Gathering in-depth information through conversation.
- Focus groups: Facilitated discussions with a group of participants.
- Ethnography: Observing and immersing oneself in a particular setting or culture.

Benefits of Qualitative Studies

Provides rich and detailed insights into human experiences, views, and interpretations.
Explores complex phenomena that may not be easily quantifiable.
Offers a more nuanced and holistic understanding of a subject.
Encourages participants to share their own perspectives and narratives.

Limitations of Quantitative Studies

May not capture the full complexity of the human experience.
Can be limited by the reliability and validity of data collection methods.
Can be susceptible to sampling bias.
May not be suitable for exploring subjective experiences or beliefs.

Reasons Why Research is Important

Advancement of knowledge: Research contributes to a deeper understanding of the world.
Problem solving: Research provides evidence-based solutions to various challenges.
Decision-making: Research provides data and insights to support informed decisions.
Innovation: Research drives new ideas and inventions.
Personal growth and development: Research fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Improving the quality of life: Research can lead to improved health, technology, and societal well-being.

Improving Research Skills

1. Identify a research topic.
1. Formulate a research question.
1. Gather information from reliable sources.
1. Evaluate the credibility of sources.
1. Synthesize and analyze information.
1. Develop a clear and concise argument.

Social media platforms often have features to help users assess the authenticity of pages and accounts.
These features can include "verified accounts", "fact-checking labels", or "community-generated reviews" to provide additional context about the information provided.

Information Overload

Information overload is a significant problem that can be caused by the increasing volume and velocity of information.
It leads to overwhelm, difficulty in processing information, and negative impacts on attention, decision-making, and well-being.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz covers the main concepts discussed in Week 5 regarding how to identify and evaluate sources of information. It will challenge your understanding of what constitutes a reliable source and the criteria for trustworthiness in information gathering.