Guruk And Lannon's Technical Communication: Research And Documentation Quiz

1. Web pages usually are dependable sources for information that offer both quality and timeliness.

True

False

Web pages can vary greatly in terms of quality and timeliness of information. While there are certainly many dependable web pages, there are also numerous unreliable sources that may provide inaccurate or outdated information. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that web pages usually offer both quality and timeliness.

Explanation

Web pages can vary greatly in terms of quality and timeliness of information. While there are certainly many dependable web pages, there are also numerous unreliable sources that may provide inaccurate or outdated information. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that web pages usually offer both quality and timeliness.

2. Expert testimony usually offers a reliable "final word."

True

False

Expert testimony does not always offer a reliable "final word." While expert testimony can provide valuable insights and opinions based on their knowledge and experience, it is not infallible. Experts can have biases, limited information, or differing interpretations, which can lead to differing conclusions. Additionally, new evidence or advancements in knowledge can challenge or change expert testimony over time. Therefore, it is important to critically evaluate expert testimony and consider other sources of information before drawing conclusions.

Explanation

Expert testimony does not always offer a reliable "final word." While expert testimony can provide valuable insights and opinions based on their knowledge and experience, it is not infallible. Experts can have biases, limited information, or differing interpretations, which can lead to differing conclusions. Additionally, new evidence or advancements in knowledge can challenge or change expert testimony over time. Therefore, it is important to critically evaluate expert testimony and consider other sources of information before drawing conclusions.

3. Indicators of quality for a website include all of the following except

Links to reputable sites

Material that has been peer reviewed

Options for contacting the author

Presentations that include multimedia components

Objective coverage

Indicators of quality for a website include links to reputable sites, material that has been peer-reviewed, options for contacting the author, and objective coverage. However, presentations that include multimedia components are not necessarily an indicator of quality. While multimedia components can enhance the user experience, they do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or credibility of the information presented on the website. Therefore, presentations that include multimedia components are not considered a reliable indicator of website quality.

Explanation

Indicators of quality for a website include links to reputable sites, material that has been peer-reviewed, options for contacting the author, and objective coverage. However, presentations that include multimedia components are not necessarily an indicator of quality. While multimedia components can enhance the user experience, they do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or credibility of the information presented on the website. Therefore, presentations that include multimedia components are not considered a reliable indicator of website quality.

4. Direct observation is the surest way to eliminate bias in research.

True

False

Direct observation is not the surest way to eliminate bias in research. While direct observation can be a valuable research method, it is still subject to bias. Researchers may have their own biases that can influence their observations and interpretations. Additionally, there may be limitations in what can be observed directly, especially in complex or abstract concepts. To minimize bias, researchers often employ multiple methods, such as surveys, interviews, and experiments, to gather data from different perspectives and reduce the impact of individual biases.

Explanation

Direct observation is not the surest way to eliminate bias in research. While direct observation can be a valuable research method, it is still subject to bias. Researchers may have their own biases that can influence their observations and interpretations. Additionally, there may be limitations in what can be observed directly, especially in complex or abstract concepts. To minimize bias, researchers often employ multiple methods, such as surveys, interviews, and experiments, to gather data from different perspectives and reduce the impact of individual biases.