VCLA Research and Information Literacy

Question 1

When evaluating the credibility of a source, which factor is MOST important to consider?

Accepted Answer

The author's qualifications and expertise

Answer

An author's qualifications and expertise directly affect how reliable and accurate the information in a source is likely to be.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a primary source?

Accepted Answer

A diary written by a Civil War soldier

Answer

A diary written by a Civil War soldier is a firsthand account created during the time period being studied, making it a primary source.

Question 3

What does it mean for an academic article to be 'peer-reviewed'?

Accepted Answer

It was evaluated by experts in the field before publication

Answer

Peer-reviewed means the article was evaluated by other experts in the subject area before being published, ensuring higher standards of accuracy.

Question 4

When assessing the currency of a source, a researcher should ask:

Accepted Answer

When was this information published or last updated?

Answer

Currency refers to the timeliness of the information, so checking the publication or update date is essential for determining if the content is still accurate.

Question 5

Which of the following best defines plagiarism?

Accepted Answer

Using another person's ideas or words without proper credit

Answer

Plagiarism is presenting another person's words, ideas, or work as your own without giving appropriate credit to the original source.

VCLA Exam Practice Test

VCLA Exam Practice Test

VCLA Research and Information Literacy