CMAS Research and Critical Thinking Skills Flashcards

When evaluating a source for a research project, which question helps determine if it is reliable?

Answer: Is the source from a credible author or organization with expertise in the topic?

Checking whether the author or organization has expertise in the topic is a key step in evaluating a source's credibility.

Which type of source would be most reliable for a research report on the health effects of air pollution?

Answer: A peer-reviewed article from a scientific journal

Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles are vetted by experts in the field, making them among the most reliable sources for scientific topics.

What does it mean to 'cite' a source in a research paper?

Answer: To give credit to the author or publication where information was obtained

Citing a source means providing information about the author, title, and publication so readers can find and verify the original material.

A student reads two articles about climate change: one from a government environmental agency and one from a fossil fuel company's website. How should the student approach these sources?

Answer: Consider the potential bias of each source and look for corroborating evidence from neutral parties

Critical readers consider the potential bias of each source, especially when a source has a financial or political interest in the topic.

Which of the following is an example of a fact rather than an opinion?

Answer: The Colorado River originates in Rocky Mountain National Park.

A fact is something that can be verified with evidence; the origin of the Colorado River is a verifiable geographic fact.

When summarizing a nonfiction text for research, which approach is most appropriate?

Answer: Restate the main ideas in your own words without changing the meaning

A good summary restates the author's main ideas in your own words, capturing the essential meaning without copying.