Information Literacy Pre-Test

Jackie sent Jane a text asking if she could help her move some boxes after class. Jane replied “Can’t. Sorry.” Jackie felt this apology was insincere, but Jane insisted that she did feel badly that she couldn’t help. Which problem of written communication does this illustrate?

1 point possible (graded)

• It can be difficult to determine tone.

• The length of time to receive a response can vary.

• The length of time it takes to write a response can vary.

• Written communication can be useful at work but not with friends.

Using database subject terms ensures that you will be able to _______.

1 point possible (graded)

• Properly cite the sources used in your research.

• Search using the correct terminology within a particular database.

• Retrieve all articles related to your research question.

• Limit your search results by date of publication.

Which of the following statements about geographic literacy is true? Select all that apply.

• Geographic literacy is necessary when navigating paper maps but not digital maps.

• Geographic literacy is significant to political strategy.

• While mapmakers need to possess geographic literacy, it is not relevant to those in other professions

• Reading maps is only one aspect of geographic literacy.

When evaluating a source, which of the following elements will help you determine the creator's credibility?

1 point possible (graded)

• The presence of a public comment thread

• The type and quantity of advertisements

• Information about support or funding

• The quality of supporting graphics

Which of the following definitions best explains copyright?

1 point possible (graded)

• A legal protection that can be applied to intellectual property.

• A law that prevents anyone other than the creator from using the work.

• A rule that prevents the copying of written materials without permission, but permits the copying of music.

• A practice that prevents works that are in the public domain from being reused.

Which of the following is an example of plagiarism?

1 point possible (graded)

• Giving credit to the author whose idea you include in an assignment

• Including information to help readers locate the original source of your idea

• Attributing direct quotes to their speaker and original source

• Taking another person’s work, words, or ideas and using them as your own

Which of the following research strategies would help you develop a specific research focus on the most current policies?

1 point possible (graded)

• Check the news for current issues like homelessness and overcrowding.

• Start researching public policy in-depth.

• Develop a thesis statement using an idea discussed in class.

• Use a book on political strategy to gather general policy search terms.

Sources intentionally may use sensational headlines and outdated facts to mislead readers. What can you do evaluate the information in potentially misleading sources? Check all that apply.

• Assess the popularity of the source.

• Check the currency of any facts or data presented.

• Determine the credibility of the author or publisher.

• Look for verifiable references.

Which of the following is a good technique for writing clearly and concisely?

1 point possible (graded)

• Use short sentences.

• Vary sentence length.

• Limit your vocabulary.

• Repeat sentence structure.

Synthesis is a _______.

1 point possible (graded)

• Linear process.

• Process involving two sources only.

• Non-linear process.

• Simple, straightforward exercise.