Reliable Sources of Scientific Information Biology I CARE 1 SC.912.N.1.4 Reteach

Determining if a source of scientific information is credible can be difficult. There are guidelines that make choosing a scientific resource easier.

Results and Procedures Should be Reviewed by Other Scientists These scientists must be experts in the same area of study. Other scientists should also find the study credible and the results and conclusion valid.

Publisher of a Source Publisher of the research paper should be…. a reputable journal. cite resources used by the author. provide information regarding the publishing company.

Author of the Research Publication Find a biography about the author. Determine educational background. Is the authors expertise in the same field in which the research was conducted. If the author is not noted, then do not use. Research should be made by a non-partisan group such as the National Institutes of Health. The author should not have a vested interest in the research. People have a tendency to see results differently if they stand to benefit.

Use Most Current Information Remember that science is always changing. Data that was correct 10 years ago may be very different today. New technology, also provides the means for new discoveries.

Types of Credible Resources Science Journals Government Documents Non-Profit Organizations

Be wary of the Popular Press Have been known to misleading, glamorize or generalize. The more emotion induced may result in more sales. However, don’t totally discount these sources, just make certain the statements made are supported by credible resources.

Lawrence was conducting research in order to find a safe way to remove Lion Fish from the Florida Straits. This fish has no natural predators and has wrecked havoc on the ocean ecosystem. Which of the following sources would you recommend Lawrence use to help support his study? Be ready to support your decision. A.Fishermen’s Weekly Magazine provides weekly fishing reports in areas where Lion Fish have been found in large numbers. B. Research conducted by a psychologist on the effects of Lion Fish on Florida’s Ocean Ecosystem. C.A research report published by the Environmental Protection Agency D.Journal article that was published by the scientific journal Nature published in 2000.

Dr. Nellie, an Ecology professor at the University of Central Florida, completed a research project titled, “The Effects of Releasing Fresh Water into the Florida Everglades”. After years of testing and research, Dr. Nellie drew conclusions from the data collected. What should be Dr. Nellie’s next step? A.Immediately publish the results so that action can be taken to solve the problem. B.Send the research paper to another Ecology professor, so the process and data can be confirmed. C.Notify local a newspaper in order to ensure the results are published, therefore, notifying the public of the study’s conclusion. D.Pay a company to replicate the experiment and obtaining similar results.