3. We've taken a look at the differences in results we can get just by changing which search tool we use. Now we need to think about what exactly it is we're getting. How do you know when the site you click on has accurate information? How do you know when it's trying to sell you something, or when it's trying to convince you of a particular point of view? Try IT: critically assessing results One way to determine whether or not a website is giving you reliable and accurate information is to examine it closely. Who is responsible for the site? Is it easy to contact them? How recently was the site updated? Do other sites that you know are credible link to that site? 1. Imagine you are doing some research for a paper you are going to write on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work. Go to a search tool like Google, and type in "Martin Luther King" (without the quotes). What are some of the "type ahead" suggestions? 2. Take a look at the results set. Which of these sites look legitimate? Do any of these sites look like they might not be legitimate? Why or why not? 3. Find the entry for the site martinlutherking.org. The link text reads "Martin Luther King Jr. -A True Historical Examination". To avoid having this site show in your browser history, you may want to use a private browsing mode first, then click on the link to the site 4. Without clicking on any of the links, look at everything on the homepage of the site, even the small print at the bottom. What is your first impression? 5. Now click a few links. Has your impression changed? Why or why not? 6. If you haven't yet, and feel comfortable doings so click on the "Hosted by Stormfront link at the bottom of the page. Is the page you get to what you expected? 7. Can you tell some things about the Stormfront organization from the logo on the page, and from the forum topics? Do you think this organization is able to give accurate information about Martin Luther King Jr.? Explain 3. We've taken a look at the differences in results we can get just by changing which search tool we use. Now we need to think about what exactly it is we're getting. How do you know when the site you click on has accurate information? How do you know when it's trying to sell you something, or when it's trying to convince you of a particular point of view? Try IT: critically assessing results One way to determine whether or not a website is giving you reliable and accurate information is to examine it closely. Who is responsible for the site? Is it easy to contact them? How recently was the site updated? Do other sites that you know are credible link to that site? 1. Imagine you are doing some research for a paper you are going to write on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work. Go to a search tool like Google, and type in "Martin Luther King" (without the quotes). What are some of the "type ahead" suggestions? 2. Take a look at the results set. Which of these sites look legitimate? Do any of these sites look like they might not be legitimate? Why or why not? 3. Find the entry for the site martinlutherking.org. The link text reads "Martin Luther King Jr. -A True Historical Examination". To avoid having this site show in your browser history, you may want to use a private browsing mode first, then click on the link to the site 4. Without clicking on any of the links, look at everything on the homepage of the site, even the small print at the bottom. What is your first impression? 5. Now click a few links. Has your impression changed? Why or why not? 6. If you haven't yet, and feel comfortable doings so click on the "Hosted by Stormfront link at the bottom of the page. Is the page you get to what you expected? 7. Can you tell some things about the Stormfront organization from the logo on the page, and from the forum topics? Do you think this organization is able to give accurate information about Martin Luther King Jr.? Explain
