Looking at the Problem or Issue from Different Perspectives Chapter Notes | AP Research – AP Students - Grade 11 PDF Download

Introduction

This chapter focuses on ensuring the credibility of sources used in AP Research projects. It highlights the importance of using trustworthy and reliable sources to produce accurate and valid research findings. The chapter introduces the RAVEN acronym as a tool to evaluate source credibility by examining the author's reputation, ability to investigate, vested interest, expertise, and neutrality. It also emphasizes the value of peer-reviewed studies and provides guidance on verifying the reliability of information, especially in behavioral research, to maintain the integrity of the research process.

Credibility 

• Credible sources are essential for ensuring research is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Information from credible sources is more likely to be unbiased and free of errors.
• Using credible sources enhances the overall validity and credibility of the research project.
• Non-credible sources may contain unreliable information or errors, undermining research quality.

Credibility Techniques

Use the RAVEN acronym to evaluate source credibility:

• R-Reputation: Assess the background of the author. This should include their workplace, educational institution, and previous publications.
• A-Ability to Investigate: Evaluate how the author can gather data or draw conclusions. Consider their access to labs or affiliations with professional organizations.
• V-Vested Interest: Reflect on any personal stakes the author might have in the research outcomes. Do they stand to benefit personally from the results?
• E-Expertise: Look into the author’s qualifications and credentials in the relevant field. How can you verify this information?
• N-Neutrality: Determine whether the author maintains a neutral stance in their writing about the research question, study, or findings.

Example: Evaluating Credibility with RAVEN

Reputation:

• The author, Adam Winsler, is an educational psychologist specializing in pediatrics. 
• He has published over 100 works examining the effects of sleep deprivation, particularly in children. 
• He is affiliated with George Mason University and has researched various factors affecting the development of ethnic children.

Ability to Observe:

• The author has access to labs and human participants due to his position at George Mason University.

Vested Interest:

• The author does not appear to have a personal stake in the research, as indicated by his public profile. 
• He works with a diverse group of children and does not seem to have a personal bias.

Expertise:

• The author possesses specialized knowledge in this field, serving as an associate chair professor in the psychology department at George Mason University.
• The evidence Winsler utilizes is highly specialized and comes from numerous peer-reviewed journals.
• Information regarding adolescents in this article is corroborated by other peer-reviewed studies, showing trends such as the link between sleep deprivation and depression.

Neutrality:

• The author does not appear entirely neutral regarding this subject. 
• Given his extensive research on the effects of sleep on children, he likely has formed opinions on the topic. 
• It can be challenging for researchers to remain entirely objective about their findings.

Publication Details:

• This article was published in 2014 and is considered a relatively recent study. 
• It presents a balanced and objective view due to the thorough research undertaken.

Tip: Always remember to check the publication date of an article!

Peer-Reviewed Studies:

• A peer-reviewed study (also called a peer-reviewed article or scholarly article) is evaluated by experts in the same field before publication.
• The peer-review process ensures the study’s methodology, findings, and quality meet high academic standards.
• Peer-reviewed studies are typically published in academic journals and are reliable sources for research.
• The process enhances the validity, reliability, and overall quality of the research.

Exceptions

• When studying human behavior, thoughts, or preferences, ensure information is reliable by:
  • Verifying the source of the information and the credibility of respondents or subjects.
  • Ensuring respondents are honest and have reliable memories.
  • Using proper methods for asking questions or observing behaviors.
• Accurate and trustworthy information is critical for credible behavioral research.

Key Terms

• Ability to investigate: This term refers to the skill of systematically exploring and analyzing a problem or issue from various angles to uncover insights and form conclusions. It encompasses critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
• Credibility: Credibility is the trustworthiness and reliability of a source, information, or argument. It is crucial for assessing the validity of claims and determining whether the information can be believed or relied upon. This concept significantly influences how information is perceived and accepted by audiences.
• Neutrality: Neutrality refers to an impartial position that does not favor either side in a conflict or disagreement. It allows for a balanced perspective when evaluating different viewpoints on an issue, fostering an environment where diverse opinions can be considered without bias, leading to more informed decision-making.
• Peer-reviewed study: A peer-reviewed study is a research paper that has been evaluated by experts in the field before publication, ensuring the validity, reliability, and overall quality of the research. This process maintains high standards in academic publishing and encourages the exploration of different perspectives by incorporating critiques from knowledgeable peers.
• Scholarly article: A scholarly article is a written work that reports original research findings or reviews existing research in a specific academic field. These articles are typically published in academic journals and undergo a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring that the research is valid and credible. They provide detailed information and analysis, making them valuable resources for understanding complex issues from various perspectives.