A Word or Two About Research
Learning what is legitimate and valid
Day 12:
Your last task was to list everything that rolls around in your head about what affects all of us and our planet. Then I asked you to pick one item you are passionate about.
Now you’ll start to learn more about this topic, with the goal of being able to speak knowledgeably about it in a conversation with someone who might hold an opposing viewpoint.
We can find just about anything on line out of hundreds of thousands (if not millions) search results. Most of us stop at the bottom of the first page. What we may fail to realize is that the first few entries are sponsored ADS - someone paid for their site to appear at the top of a search. That could be good - or bad. How do you know?
The picture at the top is an example of our task. We have background on a topic or event, but we need much more information to determine what will make this story reveal hidden gems that get us to truth. There are so many threads that can be followed to explore and develop our interests. Some won’t work or aren’t true, so we discard them - or keep them when explaining why some “facts” aren’t facts at all.
I’m starting with a wide topic of trees and their importance to the planet. Steps you can take to evaluate information from online sources: (Compiled from WikiHow and other resources)
type a website’s name into your search engine and check the results.
I’m starting with “Tree-Top Barbie.” At first glance one would think this was somewhat bogus. Here’s the URL: http://blogs.evergreen.edu/researchambassador/projects-2/treetop-barbie/
The URL contains a “.edu” which indicates it originated from an institution of learning. A screen shot:
Look at the headings of the site. The “About” and “Staff” should give you people whose credentials are available for you to evaluate. Peruse the other headings and make a decision. In this instance, “Tree Top Barbie” has a lot of valid information that could give you some interesting insights - like who knew there even was a Tree Top Barbie and why she was developed. From the website:
“TreeTop Barbie can serve as a role model to encourage young girls in directions that are alternatives to the mainstream Barbie doll and what she represents in our society. TreeTop Barbie and her accompanying educational materials also provide a link between youth and an exciting part of the natural world in tropical and temperate ecosystems.”
Aside from this just being a “fun fact,” think of where this could lead you to other sources about tree canopies and their intrinsic value. Don’t forget to check any “Resources” included…you’re off on your own rabbit hole of information.
Beware in your search that not everything will be as fun as Tree-Top Barbie, but you will come upon unexpected nuggets in your work.
What do you do with what you find? Start creating your own bibliography, but don’t go crazy trying to make it look like a formal school assignment. A title, author, and URL is sufficient for now. Include a screenshot if you see something enticing, but be sure to get a URL for future reference of the source.
Here’s where our community can be invaluable. In the comment section, list the topic you’re passionate about, the URL of whatever resources you find, and any comments you would like to make. My goal is to take what comes in the comments and begin master lists of online (and not online) resources for all Crones who want to change the world.
Let’s get started.
You can find a sample of my resources on the value of trees here. Let’s create a massive repository of materials that Crones can access to create ripples of kindness compassion, and knowledge throughout our lives.