Original Data
A student information scientist must develop skills in gathering original data to address information needs. The scientist might ask him or herself the following questions:
- How do you determine if you need to gather original data through personal observations, interviews or experiments?
- What specific questions will you try to answer?
- How will you select a method to gather this data?
- How will you go about a systematic and controlled way to guard against your own biases as you gather this data?
Becoming proficient at gathering original data is associated with the following Information Literacy Standards (AASL, 1998):
- The information literate student accesses information efficiently and effectively.
- The information literate student evaluates information critically and competently.
- The information literate student is an independent learner and pursues information related to personal interests.
- The information literate student contributes positively to the learning community and to society and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology.
- The information literate student contributes positively to the learning community and to society and participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information.
The following example demonstrates how a student matures as he or she gains experience and expertise.
Nuclear Energy and Weapons
Inexperienced information scientists may not realize the need for a systematic approach to gathering original data.
For instance, a novice researcher might develop a survey on the issues of nuclear energy and weapons based on a brainstorm of ideas listing questions as they come.
An expert information scientist would begin by identifying all the options and personal bias involved in the project before jumping into the design of a questionnaire.
Explore Sabrina's investigation for more detail.