Truth
You are alive in a time of an abundance of knowledge. The internet is a great resource for information but it can be difficult to sort through everything and find reliable truth.
"We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular prominence or authority as qualified sources of truth. We should be cautious about relying on information or advice offered by entertainment stars, prominent athletes, or anonymous internaset sources. Expertise in one field should not be taken as expertise on truth in other subjects.
"We should also be cautious about the motivation of the one who provides information. That is why the scriptures warn us against priestcraft (see 2 Nephi 26:29). If the source is anonymous or unknown, the information may also be suspect.
"Our personal decisions should be based on information from sources that are qualified on the subject and free from selfish motivations.”
As you think about President Oaks' remarks above, consider this quote from Melinda Ashton, who was speaking at the inauguration of Brian K. Ashton, the second president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, on March 10, 2022:
"I am so very thankful for the educational opportunities I have had and for parents who taught me to seek truth by being a life-long learner. The foundation they provided was enhanced as my university professors assured me that both the secular and the spiritual pursuit of truth would bless my life. When they seem to conflict, it is just an indication that more searching and understanding is needed."
Throughout this lesson, you will learn how to sift through the information available to you and evaluate it for credibility. Heavenly Father has provided the opportunity for you to be self-reliant and to use agency to find truth for yourself. You have access to heavenly help as you search for and discover truth.
Information Literacy
The term “information literacy” means how to locate, evaluate, and determine if an academic source is credible and if the information is accurate.
Reading Strategy Practice: Question. Asking questions is an important part of evaluating if a source is credible. As you finish this lesson, remember that questioning helps you explore what you read in a way that helps you remember its important points.
As an online student, you will be asked to perform research for assignments and papers in the various courses you will take. Research is the process of answering a central question by looking through various sources of information.
Both Ensign College and BYU-Idaho have online libraries that offer access to a wealth of information and full-text articles. Learning how to conduct research with a university library will be important. The following website, hosted at the BYU-Idaho McKay Library, can help you get started.
Explore this website: Research Tips for PathwayConnect Students.
It is important that you click through the following menu items on the website. If a menu item has tabs, explore each tab. Consider the following questions and instructions as you explore each tab.
Tabs on the Website Linked Above
- Introduction. What is information literacy? Watch the video.
- Create a Search Strategy. Use key words and Boolean operators. What are Boolean operators? How can they help narrow your search results?
- Find Sources. What is a library database? You will be able to practice using Google Scholar.
- Evaluate Sources. Why is a scholarly article likely to have reliable information? Use COPE to find out. Be sure to look at this part VERY closely!
- Avoid Plagiarism. Why is plagiarism considered academic dishonesty?
- Cite Sources. Why is it important to scholars that information is cited so carefully?
Answer these questions to see what you remember from reading the text above.
- What does modern revelation define truth as?
ANSWER - According to President Dallin H. Oaks, what should individuals be cautious about when seeking truth?
ANSWER - What does the term "information literacy" refer to?
ANSWER
W05 Gathering Prep
What will you do this week, in preparation for the gathering, to exemplify the Learning Model principle of “Teach One Another?” Choose one research tip from the lesson material that you would like to learn more about. In your gathering this week discuss what you have learned with the group.
After reading this lesson, ponder the following questions. If desired, record your thoughts in a learning journal.
- How has the abundance of information in the digital age affected your approach to seeking truth, especially considering President Oaks' cautionary remarks?
- Reflecting on Melinda Ashton's quote, why did she say that when secular and spiritual pursuits of truth seemed to conflict in her life, more searching and understanding was needed?
- After exploring the website "Research Tips for PathwayConnect Students," what strategies or insights did you gain that you believe will enhance your ability to conduct research effectively?