Learn how to find, analyze, and use information effectively. Vocabulary in this post information noun /ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/ /ˌɪnfəɹˈmeɪʃən/ Things that are or can be known about a given topic; communicable knowledge of something. Examples: "I need some more information about this issue." source noun /sɔːs/ /sɔɹs/ The person, place or thing from which something (information, goods, etc.) comes or is acquired. Examples: "The accused refused to reveal the source of the illegal drugs she was selling." analyze verb /ˈæn.ə.laɪz/ To examine in such a manner as to ascertain the elements or nature of the thing examined; as, to analyze a fossil substance, to analyze a sentence or a word, or to analyze an action to ascertain its morality. Examples: "The detective analyzed the clues to understand the thief's motive. " evaluate verb /ɨˈvaljʊeɪt/ /ɪ̈ˈvaljəˌweɪt/ To draw conclusions from examining; to assess. Examples: "It will take several years to evaluate the material gathered in the survey." synthesize verb /ˈsɪnθəsaɪz/ To combine two or more things to produce a new product. Examples: "The chef synthesized different spices to create a unique flavor for the dish. " cite verb /saɪt/ To list the source(s) from which one took information, words or literary or verbal context. Examples: "Before submitting the report, remember to cite all your sources. " credible adjective /ˈkɹɛdəbl̩/ Believable or plausible. Examples: "The witness's calm demeanor and detailed account made his story seem very credible. " bias noun /ˈbaɪəs/ Inclination towards something; predisposition, partiality, prejudice, preference, predilection. Examples: "The teacher's bias toward quiet students sometimes made the lively children feel overlooked. " method noun /ˈmɛθəd/ A process by which a task is completed; a way of doing something (followed by the adposition of, to or for before the purpose of the process): Examples: "My mother used the method of baking bread from her grandmother's cookbook. " objective adjective /ɒbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/ /əbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/ Not influenced by the emotions or prejudices. Examples: "The teacher remained objective in her assessment of the students' work, not letting her personal feelings about any one student affect her grading. " evidence noun [ˈɛvəɾəns] Facts or observations presented in support of an assertion. Examples: "There is no evidence that anyone was here earlier." conclusion noun /kənˈkluːʒən/ A decision reached after careful thought. Examples: "The board has come to the conclusion that the proposed takeover would not be in the interest of our shareholders."
