What is information literacy?
Information literacy is the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively. It also involves understanding how information is produced and valued, and using it ethically.
What does CILIP's definition of information literacy emphasize?
CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) defines it as the ability to think critically and make balanced judgements about any information we find and use, empowering citizens to form informed views and engage with society.
What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?
Misinformation is false or inaccurate information shared without harmful intent, while disinformation is deliberately false or misleading information spread to deceive. Both are types of fake news.
Why is the date of a source important when evaluating online information?
The date indicates how current the information is. Outdated information may be inaccurate or irrelevant, especially in fast-changing fields like technology or science.
What are three questions to ask about the author of an online source?
Who is the author? Are they qualified or an expert on the topic? Can you find other work by them? This helps assess credibility.
Why is it important to cross-check claims with other sources?
Cross-checking helps verify accuracy and reduces the risk of relying on a single biased or incorrect source. If multiple reliable sources agree, the claim is more trustworthy.
Does a high search engine ranking mean a website is trustworthy?
No. Search rankings are based on algorithms that consider popularity and keywords, not truthfulness. A high ranking does not guarantee accuracy or reliability.
What is bias in the context of online information?
Bias is a tendency to favor one perspective or viewpoint, which can lead to unfair or unbalanced presentation of facts. Recognizing bias helps evaluate objectivity.
What is a primary source?
A primary source is an original document or firsthand account, such as a research paper, official report, or interview. It provides direct evidence about a topic.
What is a secondary source?
A secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources, such as a news article summarizing a study or a textbook. It is one step removed from the original.
What does 'evaluate' mean in information literacy?
Evaluating means critically assessing the quality, reliability, and relevance of information before using it. It involves checking the source, author, evidence, and purpose.
What is the 'CRAAP test'?
The CRAAP test is a checklist for evaluating sources: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. It helps determine if a source is trustworthy.
Why is it important to consider the purpose of a website?
The purpose (to inform, persuade, sell, entertain) affects the reliability. For example, a site trying to sell a product may present biased information.
What is 'fake news'?
Fake news is false or misleading information presented as news. It is often created to deceive, influence opinions, or generate clicks, and can spread quickly online.
How can you check if an image has been manipulated?
Use reverse image search tools to see where else the image appears, and look for signs of editing like inconsistent lighting or shadows. Also check the original source.
What is the role of evidence in evaluating a claim?
Evidence, such as data, citations, or expert quotes, supports a claim. A trustworthy source provides verifiable evidence that can be checked.
What does 'peer review' mean?
Peer review is a process where experts in the field evaluate a study or article before publication. It helps ensure accuracy and quality, making peer-reviewed sources more reliable.
Why is it important to know 'when' and 'why' information is needed?
Knowing when and why you need information helps you search effectively and choose appropriate sources. It is part of information literacy as defined by CILIP.
What is the Alexandria Proclamation's view on information literacy?
It states that information literacy is a basic human right in a digital world, empowering people to seek, evaluate, use, and create information effectively for personal, social, occupational, and educational goals.
What is a 'domain' and how does it affect trustworthiness?
A domain is the website address suffix like .gov, .edu, .org, .com. Government (.gov) and educational (.edu) sites are often more reliable, but not always; .com can be commercial and biased.
What is 'confirmation bias'?
Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs. It can lead us to accept unreliable sources that align with our views.
How can you identify a sponsored or advertorial content?
Look for labels like 'Sponsored', 'Advertisement', or 'Paid Content'. Sponsored content is often designed to look like regular articles but is paid for by a company.
What is the 'SIFT' method?
SIFT is a technique for evaluating online information: Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims to the original context. It helps you quickly assess credibility.
Why is it important to consider the 'authority' of a source?
Authority refers to the credibility and expertise of the author or organization. A source from a recognized expert or institution is more likely to be accurate.