| Validity
and Accuracy
Learn
the importance of checking the validity and accuracy of information
obtained from research.
The
"I know this" Syndrome
Many novice researchers make the mistake that they know
enough about a subject that they don't need any books or magazines
or expert advice to help them out. The result of this misconception
is that their facts are often either opinions OR just inaccuarate.
They are also incomplete. YOU MUST CHECK YOUR FACTS and YOU
MUST NEVER STATE SOMETHING AS TRUE THAT IS SIMPLY YOUR OPINION.
Fact
A statement of fact expresses ONLY what actually happened
or what can be proven by objective data. Example:
There are 50 states in the United States of America.
Opinion
A statement of opinion expresses an attitude toward something.
An opionion is a judgement, view or conclusion. Opinion cannot
be proven true or false. Example: The United States
is the best country in the world.
Arguments
A set of propositions that are supposed to support some conclusion.
Strong
Argument
A strong argument provides good EVIDENCE for the conclusion.
Strong arguments include well-researched FACTS that support
or enhance the conclusion.
Weak
Argument
A weak argument provides poor EVIDENCE for the conlusion.
Weak arguments include false facts and are based solely on
opinion.
Not
Everything Your Read is True and Personal Values
We are all human and our own values will come into play when
we are drawing conclusions. Author's are no exception. A good
reader knows this and is aware that the opinions an author
might state--are simply that, opinion. Opinions have there
place--we are opinionated beings. We readers, however, must
be aware of their presence and draw our own conclusions from
our own experiences--and FACTS!
Websites
and Accuracy
BEWARE! Most websites don't have editors verifying their facts.
Anyone can put a site on the web. So be careful to double-check
your facts. EXAMPLE: This site was produced by 6th graders,
who sometimes get their facts wrong.
Multiple
Sources
It is ALWAYS a good idea to get multiple sources. This helps
to provide a well-rounded argument and helps you to identify
possible opinion-based "facts."
Be
Careful of the FACTS
If an author has a particular agenda he or she wants to push,
sometimes he/she may skew the story by presenting only some
of the facts.
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