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7.4 Sources of information noted - Coggle Diagram
7.4 Sources of information noted
Academic Publications
Academic papers, research journals/magazines.
Advantages
Focus on 1 topic/ subtopioc of an area
time between its writing/publication is relatively short, information/knowledge they provide is as up to date as possible.
Textbooks give a good overview of a topic. are proof read /checked at several different stages before publication.
Disadvantages
Level of language used(can be inaccessible without pre-existing level of knowledge in topic area
Publishing usually takes over a year to publish elements of textbook maybe become out of date.
E-Learning
Learning that takes place electronically. Resources may include text files, videos, animation/audio. Quizzes are also often used to check understanding.
MOOC's
Massive - Number of learners taking the course can be massive
Open - Anyone can take part in the courses - where there is no admissions process
Online - This is how courses are accessed
Course - The course teach a specific topic
Accessibility is the main advantage (it can be accessed anywhere)
Websites Google Search
The internet is a vast trove of information
Advantages
Algorithms search through the sources to give the most accurate list of relevant sources.
The most relevant will be at the top of the SERP page.
Disadvantages
The WWW is not regulated, therefore information may be unreliable. therefore SERP pages can
be very large. Making it difficult to find the most reliable source.
Fake news and breaches of user information.
SDK – Software Development Kit
Advantages of SDK's
Provide supporting material: e.g. Sample software, technical notes, documentation, tutorials
Disadvantages
Only allow the addition of specific feature, therefore quite rigid/inflexible. They can be platform, hardware, OS specific, which limits their use.
Professional networks and peers
Advantages
The reliability of information from peers and conferences is high. Due to the requirements to meet membership will require professional qualifications
Minor Disadvantage
Time off work to attend; negotiated with employer
usually. Large number of lectures available on specific topics.
Supplier Literature
A formal document such as a manual supplied with a device.
It's a reliable source of info as it's produced by the manufacturer
They will contain:
Technical details
User guide
Fault fixing
Disadvantage
Will contain technical possibly confusing terminology.
White Papers
Two main types of white paper
An information document providing details of a solutions or product that an organization sells or plan to sell.
A document that presents government policies and legislation to gather public reaction
Reliability/Validity
The date of the publication is also key as technology may have moved on, so the information is no longer relevant.
They could have no evidence to substantiate their opinions or may have selected only those that are aligned to their own.
Confirmation bus - Where sources have been selected to align with those of the author.
Subjectivity
May include assumptions/interpretations of a topic which is rarely backed up by citations and evidence.
Examples would be: media, blog posts (as they contain opinions or conjecture).
Context
A published work will have a main context. e,g. An academic paper abt a specific topic, textbook on a specific course or info abt a specific product.
Intended Audience
The target for a piece of work is intended for it is also a key aspect when considering the reliability/validity of the source. The use therefore of technical/non-technical will be a consideration.
Citations, evidence and corroboration of sources
Citation: a method of informing readers where the third party source of information originated.
Third Party material may be:
A Quote
An idea (that someone already expressed)
Specific reference to work of another author
someone else's work that has been critical in establishing ideas
Needs to include enough info to enable it to be located: author, title, publisher, date published, page number or URL.