Assessing the reliability of online sources in science

Samantha Hopkins
,
University of Oregon
Author Profile


Summary

This is an exercise in assessing the reliability of online sources. It is intended to help non-science majors think more critically about the scientific information they receive from popular sources.

Used this activity? Share your experiences and modifications

Context

Audience

Introductory class in evolution for non-science majors

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

the ability to write a coherent explanation

How the activity is situated in the course

This is a stand-alone exercise that substituted for a day of class when class was canceled.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

nature of the evolution-creation controversy

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

critical reading of popular science
hypothesis testing in paleontological studies

Other skills goals for this activity

Using the www to find both popular and scientific sources, as well as to find information on people and sources.
Use of the library website to locate library resources.

Description of the activity/assignment

Students use this exercise to practice skills in critical analysis of popular science. In the process, they learn how to find the information they need to locate the original scientific source of a scientific claim, and to read the original sources to evaluate the consistency between the original source and the popular article. They learn how to evaluate the quality of those original scientific sources, as well. Finally, they go through the process of evaluating competing arguments for scientific validity in a reading about the evolution-creation controversy.

Determining whether students have met the goals

Students are graded on the basis of their responses to the questions in the exercise.

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

Other Materials

Supporting references/URLs

URLs are listed in the assignment handout.