In-class Exercise #1--Defining Information in the Information Age

Sources:

1) ”Negligent Genetic Counseling” 

2) “Expanding role for genetics counselors” 

3) “The role of genetic counseling in the elective termination of pregnancies involving fetuses with disabilities” 

4) “Genetic Counseling: Everyday New Discoveries Unlock Medical Mysteries. How does this affect your family?” 

5) “Activism: March of Dimes” 

In-class Exercise #2--Defining Relevance & Credibility

Remember that relevance and credibility are two different concepts.

Credibility focuses on the trustworthiness of the source. Is the author (or publishing body) someone you should trust?

Relevance refers to your information need. Is the source useful to you? A source may be credible but not relevant to you. Be careful: students have a tendency when researching to use relevant sources but not check the source's credibility.

Ultimately, relevance + credibility = a good source.

For this exercise, our goal is to choose the best source or sources from the five linked above for each of the five scenarios listed below. Remember that we are looking for the best sources considering the source's credibility and its relevance to the information need established by the scenario.

1) You are an OB/GYN Nurse recently assigned to a new medical team that does not include a genetic counselor. You think such an expert is a needed addition to your team. Which articles would you use to support your argument?

2)You are a journalist writing an article on genetic counselors for the South Town; which articles would you consult for background information?

3)You and a spouse have an appointment with a genetic counselor. Which sources would you consult for information on the genetic counseling profession?

4)You and your best friend have a bet about what genetic counselors do. What source would you use to settle the bet?