Online research
Markus is a graphic designer.
Soon he will start his new job at an environmental organisation.
Markus knows little about the topic of environmental protection.
He wants to inform himself about the topic.
Markus doesn’t know: how do I research research information on this topic online?
Don’t worry, Markus. We will help you.
Online research means that you look for information on a certain topic online.
This has many advantages: • Speed
• I have access to the same information. No matter where I live.
• I can always find information. Also in the evening and on weekends
You start online research with a search engine.
The best known search engine is Google.
First, you chose good search terms.
Search engines have different filters: • Language
• File type (for example: picture, video,...)
• Publication date
Most of the time, the search results are many pages long.
First, read the short description directly below the search results.
Then you see: maybe the result has the right information for me?
If you found a good source, check if it is a reliable source.
Check the following: • Who wrote the article?
Inform yourself about the author. Are they an expert on the topic?
What other articles do they publish?
• Who owns the website?
Click on: Company details or publishing details
These tell us: who owns the website? For example a person or a company.
If there are no company or publishing details,
then the website isn’t a reliable source.
If there are company or publishing details,
Think about: does the company/person publishes true information about the topic?
For example. A company sells sweets.
On the company website there is information:
What effects do sweets have on health?
The company wants to sell sweets.
So maybe they will try to attract you to buy more.
• Are there sources for the article?
In a credible article you see: Where does the information come from?
• Is the article up-to-date?
If the article was published a long time ago, maybe the information is old.
Never use only one source.
Compare the information from different sources.
How can I reuse information? Never just copy information.
Re-formulate the information in your own words.
Quote the source.
If you use pictures, pay attention.
Do I have the right to use these pictures?
There is the Creative Commons licence.
It explains: Am I allowed to use a picture?
If CCO is written next to a picture, you can use the picture.
You don’t have to fulfill any conditions.
If CC BY is written next to a picture, you are allowed to use the picture.
But you have to indicate who the owner of the picture is.
Now Markus clearly knows:
What do I have to do for an online research?
What do I have to pay attention to during an online research?
He wants to research the topic of environmental protection.