Research and Information Literacy Flashcards

The CRAAP test is a tool used to evaluate sources. What does the 'A' in CRAAP stand for?

Answer: Both Accuracy and Authority

In the CRAAP test, there are two 'A' criteria: Accuracy (is the information correct and supported by evidence?) and Authority (who is the author and are they qualified?).

What distinguishes a fact from an opinion in a research source?

Answer: Facts can be verified with evidence; opinions reflect personal beliefs or interpretations

A fact is a statement that can be verified with objective evidence, while an opinion reflects a personal belief, judgment, or interpretation that may not be universally verifiable.

What is the primary purpose of an abstract in a research article?

Answer: To provide a brief summary of the article's purpose, methods, and findings

An abstract is a concise summary at the beginning of a research article that helps readers quickly determine whether the article is relevant to their research needs.

Which of the following types of bias might affect information presented in a source?

Answer: Confirmation bias, where an author selects evidence that supports a predetermined conclusion

Confirmation bias occurs when a writer selectively presents evidence that supports their existing viewpoint while ignoring contradictory evidence, which can distort the accuracy of a source.

When evaluating a source for relevance, a researcher should consider:

Answer: Whether the source directly addresses the research question or topic at hand

Relevance is determined by how well the source's content directly addresses the specific research question, argument, or topic the writer is investigating.

Why is it important to consult multiple sources when conducting research?

Answer: Multiple sources allow the researcher to verify information and consider different perspectives

Consulting multiple sources helps verify the accuracy of information by cross-referencing claims and ensures the researcher considers a range of perspectives and interpretations.

Which of the following is the BEST strategy for keeping track of sources during the research process?

Answer: Record full citation information and key notes as each source is found

Recording full citation details and key notes immediately when each source is found prevents time-consuming searches later and ensures accurate documentation for the bibliography.