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Lab #1 – Part A Introduction to Information Literacy: Google Search Evaluation Objectives: In this exercise you will learn how to:

  1. The information literate student defines and articulates the need for information.
  2. Use Google to search for information more effectively.
  3. Practice searching for information to help you answer a scientific question.
  4. Practice website evaluation based on Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP).

Introduction: We are currently in the “Information Age”, and a well-developed set of skills for finding, retrieving, analyzing, and using this abundant information will be essential to your success in any field. These skills are also vital to our continuing quest to become scientifically literate citizens.

In today’s lab exercise, you work with a partner to improve your web search and information evaluation skills.

Procedure

Part 1:

  1. A research question was assigned to your group and you performed a preliminary Google search in an attempt to answer the question.
  2. Your TA will play an introductory video prepared by DU’s Prior Science and Engineering Librarian. Take notes, paying special attention to the various strategies that she uses to refine her search.
  3. Using your notes from the video, work with your partner to conduct new Google searches. Try and compare at least 5 different search strategies demonstrated in the video, and record your results.

Part 2:

  1. Discuss your search strategies and results with your partner and determine the search strategy that you think will be the most useful for helping you answer your research question.
  2. Repeat this “optimum” search and record the titles of the first five web sites returned by Google.
  3. Evaluate each of the first 5 websites based on the Evaluation Criteria presented in the introductory video.
  4. Choose one website from your list of five that you feel is “most helpful”, and one that you consider to be “least helpful”. Fill out the table with the details of your CRAAP analysis.

CRAAP Evaluation Criteria

Most Helpful Website:

CURRENCY: When was the information written or updated? Do the links work? Does it matter to your research if the information is current?

Least Helpful Website:

CURRENCY: When was the information written or updated? Do the links work? Does it matter to your research if the information is current?

Paper For Above Instructions

In the modern Information Age, the ability to efficiently search for and evaluate information is essential for academic success and informed citizenship. In this lab exercise, we utilized various Google search strategies to address the research question: "Should you stop eating acidic foods to prevent heartburn?" The aim was to not only locate useful resources but also perform a thorough evaluation of these sources using the CRAAP criteria—Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.

Research Question and Search Strategies

The research question posed for this lab was pertinent, as heartburn affects a significant number of individuals seeking dietary adjustments. Using various search strategies on Google, we initiated our investigation into the relationship between acidic foods and heartburn. Each strategy yielded different results, demonstrating the importance of search precision.

Search Strategy Outcomes

For the first search strategy, the term "Acidic foods cause heartburn" yielded 292,000 results. The two top websites returned were:

  1. "What causes heartburn (Acid Reflux)?"
  2. "11 Foods that can cause Heartburn - Healthline"

This preliminary search demonstrates varying results based on the initial question posed. It was useful in identifying a wide range of discussions surrounding heartburn-causing foods.

Evaluating Sources Using CRAAP

Upon refining our search strategies, we developed an optimal search that helped us better identify credible sources. The evaluation of the second search strategy, which focused on "Heartburn acidic food," resulted in 32,500,000 potential articles, out of which we carefully selected key websites for a detailed analysis.

Using the CRAAP criteria, we analyzed the most and least helpful websites found during our final search:

Most Helpful Website

The website titled "What causes heartburn (Acid Reflux)?" was chosen as the most helpful. According to our evaluation:

  • CURRENCY: Updated in 2021, making it timely.
  • RELEVANCE: The information directly addressed our research question, providing a comprehensive overview of food-related heartburn triggers.
  • AUTHORITY: Authored by a qualified medical professional with relevant credentials.
  • ACCURACY: The content was well-sourced and corroborated by peer-reviewed research.
  • PURPOSE: The site aimed to inform rather than persuade, showcasing objective information.

Least Helpful Website

The "Common Heartburn Triggers: Fatty Foods, Alcohol, Citrus" article from a lesser-known health blog was deemed the least helpful:

  • CURRENCY: Last updated in 2018, which raises concerns about the timeliness of information.
  • RELEVANCE: Only briefly mentioned acidic foods in broad terms without in-depth knowledge.
  • AUTHORITY: The author lacked substantial credentials and expertise in the field of gastroenterology.
  • ACCURACY: The claims made were mostly anecdotal, lacking scientific backing.
  • PURPOSE: The primary intent seemed to be to drive traffic rather than provide a solid informational resource.

Conclusion

The exercise of evaluating information using the CRAAP criteria emphasized the importance of discernment in media consumption, especially concerning health-related topics. This lab not only enhanced our practical skills in searching for relevant scientific information but also reinforced the critical thinking needed to assess the reliability of web sources. Effective information literacy is crucial for making informed decisions in all research endeavors, and using refined search strategies can significantly enhance the quality of information gathered.

References

  • Healthline. (2021). 11 Foods That Can Cause Heartburn. Retrieved from [Healthline]
  • Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heartburn - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from [Mayo Clinic]
  • News Medical. (2021). Foods that Reduce Heartburn (Acid Reflux). Retrieved from [News Medical]
  • Cedars-Sinai. (2018). Common Heartburn Triggers: Fatty Foods, Alcohol. Retrieved from [Cedars-Sinai]
  • WebMD. (2018). Heartburn Trigger Foods. Retrieved from [WebMD]
  • American Gastroenterological Association. (2020). Acid Reflux. Retrieved from [AGA]
  • Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Diet and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Retrieved from [Harvard Health]
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Symptoms & Causes of Heartburn. Retrieved from [NIDDK]
  • Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Acid Reflux Causes. Retrieved from [Cleveland Clinic]
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2020). Dietary Recommendations for GERD. Retrieved from [Johns Hopkins]

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