Information quality
Describe how information from different sources may vary in quality, and how to differentiate good quality information from poor quality.
When undertaking research there are many resources to draw information but they are not all of the same quality. As some may not be accurate, out dated, or backed by quantitative and qualitative research. So time needs to be taken to filter through the good from the bad. After doing some research there are curtain techniques you can use, and curtain things to look out for to save you time sorting through them.
Firstly published articles and books generally have to go through a series of editors and publishers before it can be viewed by the public. It is more likely to be valid and accurate, but that still doesn’t mean it will be quality in comparison to others available. So filtering through them is still needed.
The internet is a great resource of information, that is easy to gain access to, so good that it ‘has given people from all over the world and from all walks of life the opportunity to utilize tools such as blogs, wikis, personal websites etc and to have a voice'.(Suite109.com 12/11/2009). This is the reason there is so much information but also brings the problem of validity. There are some ways to get through it and identify the weak or invalid ones.
• Quantitative and qualitative / evidence-based research -Look for sources to be cited in an article particularly where facts and figures are referred to, this help to validate the information on the website. (Suite109.com 12/11/2009). This will help to back your research and your claims. It might also give you better material to work with, if you can use examples from those figures.
• Taking a look at the writer's credentials can help. A writer with qualifications or extensive experience, with a track record of writing on a subject, is likely to offer good, knowledgeable articles (Suite109.com 12/11/2009). This can help with information published in books too. You wouldn’t want to base your research on someone’s hearsay
• Many articles are not dated and this means that if they have not been carefully worded, the information can be ambiguous (Suite109.com 12/11/2009). This can also be a problem if the information is out dated and no longer accurate.
Because of the huge amount of information available from books, articles and the internet, you need to know how to filter through it, to save you time and prevent you from researching unproven theories. The main things to be aware of when looking for quality information are that the author has proven experience in a field, and/or the material is backed by quantitative and qualitative research. Without this there is no way to know the level of validity or quality of the information. This would then be passed on though your own work or study which you wouldn’t want.
References:
K, Pullen, (12/11/2008). How to Find Quality Information, Suite109.com. Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://internet.suite101.com/article.cfm/finding_good_quality_information#ixzz0ABZGEaSd
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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Im Simon, I am Currently a student at The Otago Polytechnic in my second year of the massage therapy course. I also work at Starfish Cafe part-time which keeps the funds up. I am living with my folks as I have just returned from Canada over the Christmas break, but am currently looking into living in Wanaka and doing the course through distance learning figure if its gonna be cold best to be where the snow is.
The Research Process
The Research Process
In compiling research there are steps you need to take in order for it to be valid, and of use once it is compiled. To insure this we use a research process. The research process should help to choose an appropriate topic question, direct, and keep you on track though your research.
The research process is described as the ordered set of activities focused on the systematic collection of information using accepted methods of analysis as a basis for drawing conclusions and making recommendations. (I.A.R, 19/12/07)
Defining the goals and objectives of a research project is one of the most important steps in the research process (Step 3 below). Clearly stated goals keep a research project focused. As the process continues, the goals become more clearly defined and the research issues are narrowed (Statpac, 1997-2008). This is important as the success of a paper, could be due to something as simple as incorrect selecting of your topic statement or having a weak objective.
These steps are as follows (On-line Library Learning Centre)
STEP 1: Formulate your question
STEP 2: Get background information
STEP 3: Refine your search topic
STEP 4: Consider your resource options
STEP 5: Select the appropriate tool (Research)
STEP 6: Use the tool
STEP 7: Locate your materials
STEP 8: Analyze your materials
STEP 9: Organize and write
STEP 10: Compose your bibliography
In formulating your question, you need to find something of interest on a topic that needs to be researched. You then need to get back ground information on the topic, to see what exactly you will need to research. You may need to refine your question, as it maybe to broad or simpler question. The next job is to look into what resources you can draw from, and which will be most beneficial and use them. From the resources found, you then need to analyze and sort through the information that is relevant to your topic question. Then organize them into useable notes / material and write them up in a way that will best cover your research question
The many resources that refer to the research process can be different but they all maintain the same general guide lines. They all have a systematic formula to help choose and formulate the topic and write up the information found. Without using and keeping to a research process while writing a paper, there is a risk that material may become invalid and scatted, this could be due to something as simple as not selecting your topic statement correctly, or having a weak objective. For this reason I think that the use of a research process is useful, as it solidifies your objective and keeps you on track.
Instructional Assessment Resources, The University of Texas at Austin, (19/12/2007). Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/glossary.php
Steps in the Research Process, On-line Library Learning Centre, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit01/infoage01_04.phtml
David S. Walonick, (1993). Problem Recognition & Definition, Stadpac, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.statpac.com/research-papers/research-process.htm
In compiling research there are steps you need to take in order for it to be valid, and of use once it is compiled. To insure this we use a research process. The research process should help to choose an appropriate topic question, direct, and keep you on track though your research.
The research process is described as the ordered set of activities focused on the systematic collection of information using accepted methods of analysis as a basis for drawing conclusions and making recommendations. (I.A.R, 19/12/07)
Defining the goals and objectives of a research project is one of the most important steps in the research process (Step 3 below). Clearly stated goals keep a research project focused. As the process continues, the goals become more clearly defined and the research issues are narrowed (Statpac, 1997-2008). This is important as the success of a paper, could be due to something as simple as incorrect selecting of your topic statement or having a weak objective.
These steps are as follows (On-line Library Learning Centre)
STEP 1: Formulate your question
STEP 2: Get background information
STEP 3: Refine your search topic
STEP 4: Consider your resource options
STEP 5: Select the appropriate tool (Research)
STEP 6: Use the tool
STEP 7: Locate your materials
STEP 8: Analyze your materials
STEP 9: Organize and write
STEP 10: Compose your bibliography
In formulating your question, you need to find something of interest on a topic that needs to be researched. You then need to get back ground information on the topic, to see what exactly you will need to research. You may need to refine your question, as it maybe to broad or simpler question. The next job is to look into what resources you can draw from, and which will be most beneficial and use them. From the resources found, you then need to analyze and sort through the information that is relevant to your topic question. Then organize them into useable notes / material and write them up in a way that will best cover your research question
The many resources that refer to the research process can be different but they all maintain the same general guide lines. They all have a systematic formula to help choose and formulate the topic and write up the information found. Without using and keeping to a research process while writing a paper, there is a risk that material may become invalid and scatted, this could be due to something as simple as not selecting your topic statement correctly, or having a weak objective. For this reason I think that the use of a research process is useful, as it solidifies your objective and keeps you on track.
Instructional Assessment Resources, The University of Texas at Austin, (19/12/2007). Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/glossary.php
Steps in the Research Process, On-line Library Learning Centre, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit01/infoage01_04.phtml
David S. Walonick, (1993). Problem Recognition & Definition, Stadpac, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.statpac.com/research-papers/research-process.htm
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