G&L Chapter 2, "The Research Process in Tech. Communication"

Critical thinking means that you __(1)__ the quality of your information and the accuracy of your __(2)__.

• 1) interpretations; 2) test

• 1) test; 2) interpretations

Critical thinking is especially important when evaluating content from which types of sources?

• print

• online

• periodicals

• textbooks

Match the strategy to its description: Ask the right questions.

• Different sources of information represent different levels of detail and dependability. Surface information (e.g., sources for general audiences) may be useful and valid. However, you should also go further and explore deeper levels (e.g., sources for trade, business, academic, and scholarly audiences).

• Find out what multiple experts say and examine the points on which they agree and disagree.

• The information you find may be incomplete or misleading. Look for common ground among sources; determine if the sources are driven by an agenda, and check each source's credentials.

• Ask a specific, narrow, question instead of researching an overly general topic.

• Most topics can be viewed from more than two perspectives. If your research yields indefinite findings, don't try to force a definite conclusion.

Match the strategy to its description: Explore a balance of views.

• Different sources of information represent different levels of detail and dependability. Surface information (e.g., sources for general audiences) may be useful and valid. However, you should also go further and explore deeper levels (e.g., sources for trade, business, academic, and scholarly audiences).

• Find out what multiple experts say and examine the points on which they agree and disagree.

• The information you find may be incomplete or misleading. Look for common ground among sources; determine if the sources are driven by an agenda, and check each source's credentials.

• Ask a specific, narrow, question instead of researching an overly general topic.

• Most topics can be viewed from more than two perspectives. If your research yields indefinite findings, don't try to force a definite conclusion.

Match the strategy to its description: Explore your topic in sufficient depth.

• Different sources of information represent different levels of detail and dependability. Surface information (e.g., sources for general audiences) may be useful and valid. However, you should also go further and explore deeper levels (e.g., sources for trade, business, academic, and scholarly audiences).

• Find out what multiple experts say and examine the points on which they agree and disagree.

• The information you find may be incomplete or misleading. Look for common ground among sources; determine if the sources are driven by an agenda, and check each source's credentials.

• Ask a specific, narrow, question instead of researching an overly general topic.

• Most topics can be viewed from more than two perspectives. If your research yields indefinite findings, don't try to force a definite conclusion.

Match the strategy to its description: Evaluate your sources.

• Different sources of information represent different levels of detail and dependability. Surface information (e.g., sources for general audiences) may be useful and valid. However, you should also go further and explore deeper levels (e.g., sources for trade, business, academic, and scholarly audiences).

• Find out what multiple experts say and examine the points on which they agree and disagree.

• The information you find may be incomplete or misleading. Look for common ground among sources; determine if the sources are driven by an agenda, and check each source's credentials.

• Ask a specific, narrow, question instead of researching an overly general topic.

• Most topics can be viewed from more than two perspectives. If your research yields indefinite findings, don't try to force a definite conclusion.

Match the strategy to its description: Interpret your findings objectively.

• Different sources of information represent different levels of detail and dependability. Surface information (e.g., sources for general audiences) may be useful and valid. However, you should also go further and explore deeper levels (e.g., sources for trade, business, academic, and scholarly audiences).

• Find out what multiple experts say and examine the points on which they agree and disagree.

• The information you find may be incomplete or misleading. Look for common ground among sources; determine if the sources are driven by an agenda, and check each source's credentials.

• Ask a specific, narrow, question instead of researching an overly general topic.

• Most topics can be viewed from more than two perspectives. If your research yields indefinite findings, don't try to force a definite conclusion.

Primary research means getting information ______ from the source by conducting interviews and surveys and by observing people, events, or processes in action.

• secondhand

• directly

Secondary research means getting information _________ by reading what other researchers have compiled in books and articles (in print or online or both).

• secondhand

• directly

T/F: Most online information would be considered a secondary source.

• True

• False