Mastering Information Literacy Skills

Which of the following would be considered a primary source?

• A textbook summarizing historical events

• A diary entry from a soldier in World War II

• A newspaper article analyzing election results

• A research paper reviewing multiple studies

Answer explanation

A diary entry from a soldier in World War II is a primary source because it provides direct, firsthand evidence of the soldier's experiences, unlike the other options which interpret or summarize information.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is a strong sign that a source is credible?

• The source has a professional layout and design

• The source is frequently cited by other experts/reputable works

• The source is the first result in a search engine

• The source has a large number of social media shares

Answer explanation

A credible source is often validated by its citation in other reputable works, indicating trust and recognition in the field. This is a stronger indicator of reliability than design, search ranking, or social media shares.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

When conducting research, what is the benefit of using peer-reviewed journals?

• They are easier to read and understand

• They were written by your peers (classmates)

• They have been evaluated by experts in the field for accuracy and quality

• They are freely available to the public

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that peer-reviewed journals have undergone evaluation by experts, ensuring the research is accurate and of high quality, which is crucial for reliable information.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

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

• A newspaper article written at the time of an event

• A biography of a historical figure

• A government census report

• A personal interview

Answer explanation

A biography of a historical figure is a secondary source because it interprets and analyzes primary sources, unlike a newspaper article or personal interview, which are primary sources.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the first step in the research process?

• Collecting data

• Formulating a research question

• Reviewing the literature

• Analyzing results

Answer explanation

The first step in the research process is formulating a research question. This question guides the entire study, helping to focus the research and determine what data needs to be collected and analyzed.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Why is it important to evaluate the author's credentials when assessing a source?

• To determine the length of the document

• To ensure the author has expertise and authority on the topic

• To determine if the author is local

• To check if the author has a social media presence

Answer explanation

Evaluating the author's credentials is crucial to ensure they possess the necessary expertise and authority on the topic, which enhances the reliability and credibility of the information presented.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Can you explain the ILL service provided by the Beacon library?

• Yes

• No

If my professor requires the use of credible, scholarly sources, my best option is to use:

• Google Scholar

• Websites

• Library Databases

• Wikipedia

Answer explanation

Library databases provide access to peer-reviewed and scholarly articles, making them the best choice for credible sources. Google Scholar is useful but may include non-scholarly content, while websites and Wikipedia lack reliability.

Open access articles/journals cannot be trusted

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Open access articles/journals can be trusted as they undergo peer review and are often published by reputable organizations. The misconception arises from a few predatory journals, but many open access sources maintain high standards.

Which of the following is a Boolean operator?

• And

• Or

• Not

• All of the above

Answer explanation

All of the options listed—And, Or, and Not—are Boolean operators used in logical expressions to combine or negate conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.