{"id":44,"date":"2020-02-11T19:14:56","date_gmt":"2020-02-12T00:14:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/chapter\/chapter-12-evaluating-resources\/"},"modified":"2020-04-07T15:10:37","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T19:10:37","slug":"chapter-12-evaluating-resources","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/chapter\/chapter-12-evaluating-resources\/","title":{"raw":"Evaluating Resources","rendered":"Evaluating Resources"},"content":{"raw":"<h2><span style=\"color: #808080\">This chapter describes why valid resources are important, and how to evaluate potential resources. You'll have a chance to test your knowledge, and then practice evaluating resources.<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2>Evaluating Information Resources<\/h2>\nResearch is a key part of critical thinking, which is one of the skills most valued by employers. [footnote]\"Employability Skills,\" The Conference Board of Canada, Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/www.conferenceboard.ca\/edu\/employability-skills.aspx[\/footnote] [footnote]AMA Staff, \"AMA Critical Skills Survey: Workers Need Higher Level Skills to Succeed in the 21st Century\", American Management Association, Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/www.amanet.org\/articles\/ama-critical-skills-survey-workers-need-higher-level-skills-to-succeed-in-the-21st-century\/[\/footnote] Since your research is only as good as your sources, you must be sure that every resource you use is valid, current and appropriate.\n<h3>Why is valid information important?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n \t<li>To make sure your content is reliable and current<\/li>\n \t<li>To include experts' experience, opinions, and research<\/li>\n \t<li>To eliminate unreliable, biased, outdated, and\/or incorrect information<sup>[footnote]Healey Library, \"Why Is It Important To Evaluate Sources?\", University of Massachusetts Boston,\u00a0Last updated Dec 11, 2019,\u00a0https:\/\/umb.libguides.com\/module6[\/footnote]<\/sup><\/li>\n \t<li>To understand all sides of a topic<\/li>\n \t<li>Because your boss, clients and\/or colleagues depend on the information you provide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How do I know if my information is valid?<\/h3>\nAs you know, anyone can publish anything online. So before we use a resource, we need to evaluate it to make sure it's valid, current, relevant and accurate. When you evaluate a resource, ask questions such as:\n<ul>\n \t<li>Who wrote or recorded it?<\/li>\n \t<li>Where did they get their information?<\/li>\n \t<li>How current is it?<\/li>\n \t<li>Is the information relevant to your topic?<\/li>\n \t<li>What is the author's bias? Why did they create and publish this resource?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How can I evaluate a resource?<\/h3>\n<h4>The 5 Ws<\/h4>\nThe 5 Ws [footnote]\"Evaluating Your Sources, Langara Library,\" Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/langara.ca\/library\/research-help\/evaluate-your-sources.html[\/footnote] is a great method for evaluating resources. (<em>Click on each W for more information)<\/em>\n\n[h5p id=\"17\"]\n<h4>The CRAAP Test<\/h4>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n\nDon't be fooled by its fun name\u2013\u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/library.csuchico.edu\/help\/source-or-information-good\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The CRAAP test<\/a> is an excellent tool for evaluating potential resources.\n\n<\/div>\n<h3>Is Wikipedia a good resource?<\/h3>\nNo. And yes.\n\nBecause Wikipedia is crowd-sourced (meaning anyone can edit it anytime) it might contain incorrect information. In reality, incorrect content is usually quickly corrected. But because there's a risk of finding incorrect information, don't use it as your only resource. Don't cite Wikipedia in discussion, papers or reports.\n\nHowever, Wikipedia is a great place to <em>start<\/em> your research, especially if you know very little about the topic. It typically provides clear overviews and descriptions. (<a href=\"https:\/\/simple.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simple_English_Wikipedia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Simple Wikipedia<\/a> is even more clear, because it uses simple words and grammar.) And most entries include, at the bottom of the page, a References list of primary resources that typically pass the 5 Ws and CRAAP tests.\n\nSo use Wikipedia to understand your topic, and then to find useful primary resources. But don't cite Wikipedia or use it as a primary resource.\n<h3>What about Course Hero, Slideshare, and other study help sites?<\/h3>\nNo. Much of the content on sharing sites is anonymous. You can't know if the content is accurate, current or reliable. We've seen lots of incorrect, out of date, and poorly-written content. Use reliable resources instead of sharing sites.\n\n<hr>\n\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;background-color: #6699ff\">\u00a0Activity\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nHow much do you know about Evaluating Resources? Test yourself alone or with a group.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[h5p id=\"18\"]\n\n<hr>\n\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"background-color: #99cc00;color: #ffffff\">\u00a0Worksheet\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Please complete and submit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/Pages\/ResponsePage.aspx?id=HYZ8cHRj80q3TkBBkkdPaAu3d7kgUbVAg054OQCylBtUQkJQQU5IU0EyMTBUQjJQQ1RJVE8xN0Y1Qy4u\"> Evaluating Resources Worksheet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<hr>\n\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;background-color: #6699ff\">\u00a0Activity\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Are you ready for the Canadian workplace? Test yourself.<\/p>\n[h5p id=\"19\"]","rendered":"<h2><span style=\"color: #808080\">This chapter describes why valid resources are important, and how to evaluate potential resources. You&#8217;ll have a chance to test your knowledge, and then practice evaluating resources.<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2>Evaluating Information Resources<\/h2>\n<p>Research is a key part of critical thinking, which is one of the skills most valued by employers. <a class=\"footnote\" title=\"&quot;Employability Skills,&quot; The Conference Board of Canada, Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/www.conferenceboard.ca\/edu\/employability-skills.aspx\" id=\"return-footnote-44-1\" href=\"#footnote-44-1\" aria-label=\"Footnote 1\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[1]<\/sup><\/a> <a class=\"footnote\" title=\"AMA Staff, &quot;AMA Critical Skills Survey: Workers Need Higher Level Skills to Succeed in the 21st Century&quot;, American Management Association, Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/www.amanet.org\/articles\/ama-critical-skills-survey-workers-need-higher-level-skills-to-succeed-in-the-21st-century\/\" id=\"return-footnote-44-2\" href=\"#footnote-44-2\" aria-label=\"Footnote 2\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[2]<\/sup><\/a> Since your research is only as good as your sources, you must be sure that every resource you use is valid, current and appropriate.<\/p>\n<h3>Why is valid information important?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>To make sure your content is reliable and current<\/li>\n<li>To include experts&#8217; experience, opinions, and research<\/li>\n<li>To eliminate unreliable, biased, outdated, and\/or incorrect information<sup><a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Healey Library, &quot;Why Is It Important To Evaluate Sources?&quot;, University of Massachusetts Boston,\u00a0Last updated Dec 11, 2019,\u00a0https:\/\/umb.libguides.com\/module6\" id=\"return-footnote-44-3\" href=\"#footnote-44-3\" aria-label=\"Footnote 3\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<li>To understand all sides of a topic<\/li>\n<li>Because your boss, clients and\/or colleagues depend on the information you provide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How do I know if my information is valid?<\/h3>\n<p>As you know, anyone can publish anything online. So before we use a resource, we need to evaluate it to make sure it&#8217;s valid, current, relevant and accurate. When you evaluate a resource, ask questions such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Who wrote or recorded it?<\/li>\n<li>Where did they get their information?<\/li>\n<li>How current is it?<\/li>\n<li>Is the information relevant to your topic?<\/li>\n<li>What is the author&#8217;s bias? Why did they create and publish this resource?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How can I evaluate a resource?<\/h3>\n<h4>The 5 Ws<\/h4>\n<p>The 5 Ws <a class=\"footnote\" title=\"&quot;Evaluating Your Sources, Langara Library,&quot; Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/langara.ca\/library\/research-help\/evaluate-your-sources.html\" id=\"return-footnote-44-4\" href=\"#footnote-44-4\" aria-label=\"Footnote 4\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[4]<\/sup><\/a> is a great method for evaluating resources. (<em>Click on each W for more information)<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-17\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-17\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"17\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"The 5 Ws For Evaluating Resources\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4>The CRAAP Test<\/h4>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>Don&#8217;t be fooled by its fun name\u2013\u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/library.csuchico.edu\/help\/source-or-information-good\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The CRAAP test<\/a> is an excellent tool for evaluating potential resources.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Is Wikipedia a good resource?<\/h3>\n<p>No. And yes.<\/p>\n<p>Because Wikipedia is crowd-sourced (meaning anyone can edit it anytime) it might contain incorrect information. In reality, incorrect content is usually quickly corrected. But because there&#8217;s a risk of finding incorrect information, don&#8217;t use it as your only resource. Don&#8217;t cite Wikipedia in discussion, papers or reports.<\/p>\n<p>However, Wikipedia is a great place to <em>start<\/em> your research, especially if you know very little about the topic. It typically provides clear overviews and descriptions. (<a href=\"https:\/\/simple.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simple_English_Wikipedia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Simple Wikipedia<\/a> is even more clear, because it uses simple words and grammar.) And most entries include, at the bottom of the page, a References list of primary resources that typically pass the 5 Ws and CRAAP tests.<\/p>\n<p>So use Wikipedia to understand your topic, and then to find useful primary resources. But don&#8217;t cite Wikipedia or use it as a primary resource.<\/p>\n<h3>What about Course Hero, Slideshare, and other study help sites?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Much of the content on sharing sites is anonymous. You can&#8217;t know if the content is accurate, current or reliable. We&#8217;ve seen lots of incorrect, out of date, and poorly-written content. Use reliable resources instead of sharing sites.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;background-color: #6699ff\">\u00a0Activity\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>How much do you know about Evaluating Resources? Test yourself alone or with a group.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-18\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-18\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"18\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Evaluating Resources\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"background-color: #99cc00;color: #ffffff\">\u00a0Worksheet\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Please complete and submit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/Pages\/ResponsePage.aspx?id=HYZ8cHRj80q3TkBBkkdPaAu3d7kgUbVAg054OQCylBtUQkJQQU5IU0EyMTBUQjJQQ1RJVE8xN0Y1Qy4u\"> Evaluating Resources Worksheet<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;background-color: #6699ff\">\u00a0Activity\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Are you ready for the Canadian workplace? Test yourself.<\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-19\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-19\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"19\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Business Cultural Norms Quiz-Class 18\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"before-footnotes clear\" \/><div class=\"footnotes\"><ol><li id=\"footnote-44-1\">\"Employability Skills,\" The Conference Board of Canada, Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/www.conferenceboard.ca\/edu\/employability-skills.aspx <a href=\"#return-footnote-44-1\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 1\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-44-2\">AMA Staff, \"AMA Critical Skills Survey: Workers Need Higher Level Skills to Succeed in the 21st Century\", American Management Association, Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/www.amanet.org\/articles\/ama-critical-skills-survey-workers-need-higher-level-skills-to-succeed-in-the-21st-century\/ <a href=\"#return-footnote-44-2\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 2\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-44-3\">Healey Library, \"Why Is It Important To Evaluate Sources?\", University of Massachusetts Boston,\u00a0Last updated Dec 11, 2019,\u00a0https:\/\/umb.libguides.com\/module6 <a href=\"#return-footnote-44-3\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 3\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-44-4\">\"Evaluating Your Sources, Langara Library,\" Last accessed February 24, 2020, https:\/\/langara.ca\/library\/research-help\/evaluate-your-sources.html <a href=\"#return-footnote-44-4\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 4\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":845,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-44","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":41,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/44","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/845"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/44\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/44\/revisions\/83"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/41"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/44\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=44"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=44"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/businesspresentationskills202020\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=44"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}