Evaluating Information Resources Fort Hays State University

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 30, 2025, 10:07 PM

evaluating information resources fort hays state university

There are many methods you can use to evaluate the information you find when researching for your argumentation paper. Lateral Reading is a highly recommended method of evaluating information, especially information you find with a web search. Lateral reading helps you determine an author’s credibility, intent, and biases by searching for articles on the same topic by other writers (to see how they are covering it) and for other articles by... Look at each resource, and read vertically and explore the site the source comes from. What are your initial thoughts? Do a web search for the creators of each resource.

Describe your search and the results. What can you learn from these searches? Note- the creators include both the individual author(s) and the publisher of the material. Check a national newspaper of record, and search for stories on each creator of the resource. You can use The New York Times, which FHSU has access to. Find the link, and how to create an account here.

Hint- when searching, put the creator's name in "quotation marks." Describe your search and the results. What can you learn from these searches? There are many methods for critically considering information resources. One is Joseph Bizup's BEAM model. The BEAM method is especially helpful when deciding how to use a resource. Using BEAM can help you with a scholarly writing project, such as a literature review.

annotated bibliography, or research paper. This rubric is part of a 4-scale rating rubric developed by Dr. Kim Chappell at Fort Hays State University to evaluate students’ research papers in 4 criteria: Content, Research Synthesis, Language, and APA Citation. Institution: Fort Hays State University (FHSU), founded in 1902, is a public university where faculty and staff share a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students. Instructor(s): Dr. Kim Chappell is the Assistant Professor of Education at FHSU with over 29 years of teaching experience.

Each semester, Fort Hays State University students can complete course evaluations. These evaluations are administered through the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Quality Improvement. “We use the feedback to analyze the effectiveness of our course content and the instructor to see what we’re doing well with and what needs to be improved or changed,” Institutional Research Coordinator Darren... The base questionnaire students receive is the same for every student. This includes nine single-selection questions and one freeform text question to allow students to share more information. Surveys for online courses have three additional questions.

The base questions are selected by the faculty senate and instructors and department chairs are allowed to add additional questions. The base questionnaire has not changed since Fall 2020. Stieben reassured students they will not face repercussions for truthfully answering the survey. “As a former FHSU student, I totally understand that concern, and yes, they are truly anonymous,” Stieben said. When you are finding resources for a research project, the BEAM model can help you determine how you will use the resources and whether you need to find additional resources to fill in gaps. You may find it useful to keep brief notes on the resources you find and how you might use them.

Then, you can see the gaps and what other research you need to do. You don't have to read the entire resource now, but you can skim it briefly. Watch our tutorial on reading research resources for tips- you don't have to read it like a novel! Here is an example of a chart you can use to organize your resources according to BEAM: Secondary Teacher’s Perceptions on Collaboration and Teaching Information Literacy Skills Information Literacy, Change Theory, Collaboration

There are many methods for critically considering information resources. One is Mike Caulfield's SIFT Method. The SIFT method is especially helpful when evaluating online information from popular (not scholarly) sources. SIFT helps you evaluate the credibility of an information resource. Is it worthy of your attention? SIFT works best with websites, news stories, and social media content.

SIFT creator Mike Caulfield explains the purpose of SIFT in this video: Graduation Requirement Alignment: Evaluation of sources according to discipline-appropriate criteria. Students learn to assess the credibility of sources based on disciplinary norms, helping them choose appropriate evidence for their writing. ACRL Framework Alignment: Authority depends on the context and is influenced by community norms and the purpose of the information. From the high plains of north-central Kansas, FHSU oﬀers exceptional, proven academic quality at a price you won’t ﬁnd anywhere else. We know your journey to success begins with accessibility—so we give you an education that empowers your future without the burden of high tuition.

That’s a promise no one else can match, and that makes FHSU the best value in higher education anywhere. The value of an FHSU education goes beyond cost. It comes to life through the quality of our academics. With hundreds of award-winning programs, degrees and certiﬁcates to choose from, we equip you to achieve excellence in any future you can imagine. FHSU has led the way in online education for decades. With more than 200 degree and certiﬁcate programs, founded on cutting-edge online learning experiences and extensive student support resources, you can live a real life while reaching your career and educational goals.

Ready to come back to school? Get a free transcript evaluation to help you get started on the right track. We believe in unlocking the untapped potential of students from anywhere by oﬀering a powerful education at a price that will never set you back. Go ahead and compare tuition. We’re proud to say that the cost to attend FHSU is more than 50% less than the national average for nearly every student. More than 95% of our graduates quickly land jobs or go on to further educational opportunities.

Starting on your ﬁrst day, the FHSU Career Development team will set you on the same path, creating a four-year career plan that prepares you for immediate success when you graduate.

Evaluating Information Resources Fort Hays State University

People Also Search

There Are Many Methods You Can Use To Evaluate The

Describe Your Search And The Results. What Can You Learn

Hint- When Searching, Put The Creator's Name In "quotation Marks."

Annotated Bibliography, Or Research Paper. This Rubric Is Part Of

Each Semester, Fort Hays State University Students Can Complete Course