After going through this lesson, you will be able
to identify characteristics of credible and
reliable health information.
Video Transcript
You’re undoubtedly bombarded with health information from a
variety of sources: the radio, Internet, television, magazines,
and friends, among others.
But how do you know whether or not what you see and hear is true? How do you
separate fact from fiction?
Unfortunately, many people’s beliefs about what’s healthy and what’s not are based
more on popular fads than on science, but we can’t believe everything we hear without
question.
This course will provide you with accurate information about sleep, nutrition, and
exercise. However, it’s important for you to develop some critical reading and thinking
skills so you can evaluate other sources of health information you will come across
throughout life.
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Sources of information in the health sciences are separated into three main categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary. A source’s category is
determined by its level of originality and detail.
Original research
Published studies
From direct source
Primary sources are original sources of information on new research or developments.
They include journal articles of original research, conference papers, dissertations,
technical reports, patents and tabulated sets of data, such as health statistics. Many
governmental reports are now being made available via the Internet.
Articles in professional journals report on original, first-hand research done by the
author or authors. The authors as well as their affiliations and sources of funding are
provided. This increases the papers’ credibility. Further, most professional journals are
"refereed" before publication. This means that they are peer-reviewed by experts from
relevant fields to ensure their quality. Articles without scientific merit are usually
rejected and not printed.
Journal articles that are primary sources typically consist of the following
parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
an Abstract
an Introduction or Background
Methods
Results
a Discussion
Conclusions, and
References (also known as footnotes)
They are often long and can be hard to understand. However, they are the most
accurate sources of information. Throughout your college career and beyond, you will
be required to access, read, and understand primary sources related to your
professional field.
Note: If you have to write a research paper, look for a good primary source relevant to
your topic. Then, the references from that paper will likely provide a large number of
other sources that may be helpful to you.
Tips for understanding the various sections of a scientific journal article (http://www.nsvrc.org/publications/guides/understanding-scientific-journal-articles)
Not a direct source
Summaries of studies
Editorial comments
Reviewed journal articles
Secondary sources of information are those that summarize or reorganize information
reported by researchers in the primary literature. They typically provide an analysis,
evaluation, or interpretation of the existing research or data. Review articles, those that
summarize the current literature on a specific topic, and textbooks are good examples
of secondary sources of information.
Compared to primary sources, secondary sources are generally shorter and easier to
understand, and you will likely come across many of them throughout your academic
career. They are generally accurate, especially if found in a reputable review journal or
required by one of your professors. However, because secondary sources are not a
direct source of information, there is risk that the authors may have misinterpreted the original source.
Distilled information from primary and secondary
sources
Popular press publications
Advertisements
Tertiary sources of information are probably the most common source of information
for most people, however as a group they are the least accurate. This is because they
are the furthest from the direct, original source of information, which has been distilled
and condensed into a brief, easy-to-read format for the general public. Fact sheets,
encyclopedias, and magazines are examples of tertiary sources of information.
Sometimes tertiary sources refer to research, but the authors of the research and a
reference to where the research is published are rarely listed. Instead an article might
broadly claim, “researchers found…” Usually, only general conclusions of the research
are discussed – not the specific methods of data collection and analysis.
Out of all three types of sources, tertiary sources allow for the most potential for error or
misinterpretation. That’s not to say that you can’t believe anything you may read in a magazine; it just means that it’s important to critically
evaluate the content.
Consider blogs, YouTube, and Wikipedia.
While such sites are generally interesting and may offer truthful information, it’s
probably not such a good idea to use these types of sources as references in your next paper (unless, of course, it’s particularly relevant to your
topic and you clear it with your instructor first).
The Internet has become an extremely popular source of information.
It’s possible to find primary, secondary, and tertiary-level sources in a matter of seconds.
The key to navigating your way through all of this information efficiently and effectively is to develop some savvy search skills
and critical reading skills.
Here’s a link to a document that outlines ten tips for searching the Internet.
Check it out and keep it handy. The URL is:
whitepapers.virtualprivatelibrary.net/SearchTips.pdf. (http://whitepapers.virtualprivatelibrary.net/SearchTips.pdf)
Keep in mind the domain of a website’s URL can tell you a lot about its credibility.
.edu = educational institution
.gov = US government
.org = other organization (often non-profit, but not always)
.museum = museum
.mil = US military
.biz = business
.com = commercial site
.info = commercial information (similar to .com)
.net = network resource (Internet service provider)
.tv = television
.name = personal site
Link to a document that outlines ten tips for searching the Internet (http://whitepapers.virtualprivatelibrary.net/searchtips.pdf)
As you read through any given source (one found via the Internet or otherwise),
ask yourself these important questions to evaluate its credibility:
Who wrote this? Is he, she, or the authoring institution a qualified authority on the
topic, such as an accredited University, a government research institution, or a
public healthcare organization?
What is the style of presentation? Is the author making broad generalizations or
reporting testimonials? If research is being cited, are references included?
What is the purpose and reputation of the publication? For example, is it to inform
an educated audience or the general public, advance scientific knowledge, or sell a
product or idea?
Does it sound too good to be true? If so, it probably is. Check to see if the claims are
backed by research, and if so, whether the research cited was conducted by an
objective third party or the company trying to sell the product. If the site or
publication is trying to sell you something, be wary.
Is the information timely? For example, has the site been updated recently? If not,
the information may no longer be accurate, and it would be a good idea to look for
something more recent.
Video Transcript
In addition to summarizing the current scientific literature on relevant
topics, this course is based on conversations with real students in an
attempt to meet you where you’re at and provide you with practical tips
from people who’ve been there. Throughout the course, you’ll hear stories
and advice from other students as well as experts in the fields of physical
activity, nutrition, and sleep. Consider how this information relates to you
as you experience your own life throughout the semester.
Please keep in mind, however, that this course provides general health guidelines. For
specific treatment or advice, please consult with a physician, registered dietitian, or
certified personal trainer.
Congratulations!
You've reached the end of Lesson 1: Sources of Health Information.
Please review the resource links below from this lesson for more information about lesson-related topics.
Next Lesson:
Why not continue with Lesson 2: Health and Wellness
It's 17 pages long and will take about 20 minutes
Continue (/Viewer/Course/Main?LessonId=84&CourseId=21&LocationId=2)
Tips for understanding the various sections of a scientific journal article (http://www.nsvrc.org/publications/guides/understanding-scientific-journal-articles)
Link to a document that outlines ten tips for searching the Internet (http://whitepapers.virtualprivatelibrary.net/searchtips.pdf)
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Lesson content created by the Rothenberger Institute in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. © 2015 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights
reserved.
The Rothenberger Institute provides a suite of wellness-based courses focusing on the knowledge and skills students need to lead healthy, productive, and balanced lives.
For more information, visit www.ri.umn.edu (http://www.ri.umn.edu).