BA FS session 2

Session 2

Types of resources / information,Evaluating information and

Referencing & citation

http:// unihub.mdx.ac.uk / study / library

BA FS

In the previous session...

• What the Library provides

• Using the Library Catalogue and finding resources on your reading lists

• What Library support is available to you

Today we will look at...

• Plagiarism and referencing & citation

• The different types of resources and information

• The importance of evaluating the resources that you use

Library Subject GuidesmyUniHub > My Study > My Library > Library Subject Guides

http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk

PLAGIARISM, REFERENCING & CITATION

What is Plagiarism?

Copying, paraphrasing or presenting somebody else’s words and / or ideas without acknowledging the original source.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally!

Exercise 1 - Where do you draw the line?

Where do you draw the line?

What is Plagiarism?

• Using someone else’s exact words without indicating that it is a quote (“...”) and without referencing?

• Using other people’s ideas or theories or “facts” or “knowledge” without referencing?

• Paraphrasing / summarising what you have read without referencing / stating the source?

What is Plagiarism?

• Buying an essay from an essay-writing service?

• Copying from someone’s essay?

• Writing an assignment in close collaboration with a friend?

• Copying from a book / journal but changing some of the words?

Referencing & Citation

• All academic research / writing needs to consider the work and ideas of others

• Each time you use someone else’s ideas or words, it is essential that you acknowledge this in your work

Referencing & CitationCorrect referencing involves including both:

• In-text citations

• Reference list / bibliography

Importantly, Endacott et al. (2008) argue that this new approach to the delivery of critical care will aim to address Safar’s long-held concerns from as far back as 1974 that critical care is no more than an increasingly unnecessary and expensive form of terminal care in a lot of cases (Safar, 1974). Similarly, Rosenberg et al. (2001) suggest that mortality rates and lengths of stay are also enhanced through a more effective and coordinated approach to the discharge and follow-up of patients from the critical care unit.

(McGloin and McLeod, 2010)

Library Subject GuidemyUniHub > My Study > My Library > Library Subject Guides

http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/

Business School Referencing Guide

Referencing exerciseExercise 2:

• Working in groups, use the Harvard referencing guide provided to create a reference for this book…

Source: https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTNOltX5rVbjE1VbHuGojhvsfa9YJXHkkpTxXDHINAaMbSwX2kv

Durrant, A., Rhodes, G. and Young, D. (Eds.) (2009). Getting started with University-Level Work Based Learning. London: Sage.

Edited Book

TYPES OR RESOURCES / INFORMATION

Types of resources / information Exercise 3: • Each group will be given a pack of cards • The cards contain the names of 5 different resources• Match together the correct: Resource Type + Definition + “Good for” + “Not so good for”Time: 10mins

BooksWhat are they:

A written or printed work of fiction or fact.

May be electronic.

Good for:

Clear overview

Not so good for:

Up to date information

Web pageWhat are they:

An information resource which can be easily created by anyone on any topic.

Electronic.

Good for:

Very up to date information

Not so good for:

Accurate and reliable information

NewspaperWhat are they:

A regular publication containing current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising.

May be electronic.

Good for:

Daily information

Not so good for:

Balanced and well researched information

JournalWhat are they:

A regular publication containing articles on a particular academic subject.

Presents new research.

Good for:

Latest research, critically reviewed by experts

Not so good for:

Broad overview of a subject

Popular (trade) journalWhat are they:

A regular publication containing new products plus information for a business sector.

Good for:

Latest product news

Not so good for:

Detailed and objective reports

EVALUATING INFORMATION

Evaluating information

• It is very important to think about the quality of the information before you use it!

• This is called evaluating information

• Here are some criteria that you can help you when evaluating information…

Evaluating information: Authority

• Can you tell who wrote the information (author/organisation name)?

• What are their qualifications/credentials?

• Is the source reputable? e.g. is the article published in a scholarly / peer reviewed journal?

Evaluating information: Relevance:• The importance of the information in relation

to your topic?

• Will it answer my question?

• Is the information at the right level - who is the intended audience?

• Depth of coverage – does the information go into enough detail or does it just touch on your topic?

Evaluating information: Objectivity

• What is the purpose of information, e.g. is it to Sell? Entertain? Teach, Propaganda, etc.

• Is the information

biased (only represents one view) or

balanced (represents all opposing views)

• Does it links to supporting information?

Evaluating information: Accuracy

• Is the information reliable, truthful, correct?

• Where does the information come from. Are the sources listed?

• Are the sources reputable?

• Can you verify the information with other sources?

Evaluating information: Currency

• How old is this information?

• When was it last updated?

• Can you use older sources in your work, e.g. historical research, or do you need up-to-date information?

Summary

• Different types of resources have different types of information

• The quality of information can vary for different resource types

• Evaluating information – what to consider:

Authority - Relevance – Objectivity – Accuracy - Currency

Coming next week…

• Finding resources for assignments (journal articles etc)

• Using the Library’s financial databases (FAME & BankScope)

• Using the Library’s marketing databases (Business Source Complete. Keynote & Passport GMID)

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steven-young/4176704759/

Need more help?

Please contact us for further help / to book an appointment

Library Subject Guides http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk

Ask a Librarian http://askalibrarian.mdx.ac.uk/

Evaluating information:

-Exercise 4

• Image you are researching the topic Small Businesses and International Entrepreneurship

• You have been given 4 items of information that might be useful for your research

• In your groups, look at each item and answer the questions on your worksheet.

• You have 15mins

Item 1 - Wikipedia article:

• Is this information relevant to your research?

The information is relevant & has in-depth coverage

• Is this information reliable?

Don’t know if the information in the article is reliable or accurate because we don’t know who the authors are, also the information can be edited.

• Does the author have any academic authority?

?????????????

Item 1 - Wikipedia article:

• Is the information biased or balanced?

The information seems to be balanced. The purpose of the information is to inform – not sell or sway opinion.

• Is this information up to date?

???????????????

• Would you use this information in your research?

No, but maybe use the references at the end of the article? (you must evaluate these too)

Item 2 - Newspaper article:

• Is this information relevant to your research?

The information is not relevant & too simplistic

• Is this information reliable?

No. The article does not state where the facts have come from.

• Does the author have any academic authority?

The author is a journalist for The Sun (tabloid newspaper). No academic authority.

Item 2 - Newspaper article:

• Is the information biased or balanced?

No, the author continually pays tribute to the Sun, a Conservation paper. It does not present alternative views.

• Is this information up to date?

Maybe?

• Would you use this information in your research?

No way! Not relevant, not accurate, not objective and no authority.

Item 3 – Academic journal:

• Is this information relevant to your research?

Very relevant to the topic & has in-depth coverage

• Is this information reliable?

Yes, The information is balanced and the author uses references to verify his work. Academic journal – good quality information.

• Does the author have any academic authority?

Yes (Florida State University)

Item 3 – Academic journal:

• Is the information biased or balanced?

The information is balanced. The purpose of the information is to inform and is written for the academic community.

• Is this information up to date?

No (2001!)

• Would you use this information in your research?

No, the information is too old. Need to look for more recent articles.

Item 4 – Trade journal:• Is this information relevant to your research?

The information is not relevant & is too simplistic

• Is this information reliable?

Not reliable. Not very well written, No other references used in the work. Does not state where the facts have come from.

• Does the author have any academic authority?

No. He is President of ISSPA but not an academic and does not have expert knowledge of SMA or Entrepreneurship.

Item 4 – Trade journal:

• Is the information biased or balanced?

Very biased. Based only on his own opinion.

• Is this information up to date?

Yes (2009)

• Would you use this information in your research?

No way! Not relevant, not accurate, not objective and no authority.