Evaluating Credible Sources and Information Literacy

Which of these are part of the ACRL Framework of Information Literacy? (check all that apply)

• Authority is Constructed and Contextual

• Information is Fast and Free

• Information has Value

• Data is Always Reliable

What is an example of a low-stakes information need?

• researching sources for a term paper

• deciding which medication to take based on health symptoms

• finding out the score of a baseball game

• preparing legal documents for a court appearance

Answer explanation

A baseball game is a classic low-stakes decision — the outcome has little long-term consequence.

The other choices are high-stakes needs because they affect academic performance, health, or legal matters.

Which blog post below would be the most credible source of information?

• a personal blog with no sources that shares opinions on climate change

• a blog written by a high school student summarizing a news article

• a blog post published by a university researcher with citations and links to peer-reviewed studies

• a blog with dramatic language and advertisements claiming a “hidden truth” about science

Answer explanation

C is correct because it provides expertise, citation of credible sources, and transparency, all signs of reliability.

The other choices represent common blog types with low authority, emotional tone, or lack of evidence.

True or False: The research process is usually a linear process.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False. As seen in the "Research as Inquiry" video, the research process is NOT usually a linear process.

The way that information is produced and distributed over time is the...?

• publication pyramid

• information cycle

• research lifecycle

• information delivery chain

What is an example of a scholarly resource? Choose all that apply.

• a peer-reviewed journal article

• a research study published in an academic database

• a news article from a major media outlet

• a blog post by a college student

• a book published by a university press

Answer explanation

Peer-reviewed journal articles are the gold standard of scholarly research.

Research studies published in academic journals or databases are scholarly.

Books from university presses are typically scholarly and well-sourced.

News articles are journalistic, not scholarly.

Student blogs are informal and non-peer-reviewed.

Which frame of the ACRL Framework encourages us to carefully consider our research strategies, evaluate how successful they are throughout the process, and apply problem-solving strategies as needed to work through the research process?

• Scholarship as Conversation

• Authority is Constructed and Contextual

• Information has Value

• Searching as Strategic Exploration