The fix that wiped the server
A technician finds a forum post that says, "To fix this error, delete the folder called config." He does it. The server stops working.
The post was six years old, for another version, and written by someone selling a different product. Every sign was there.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can judge if a source is reliable and valid, and say why.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Reliable | you can trust it to be right |
| Valid | it is right for your question and your system |
| Bias | an unfair lean towards one side |
| Evidence | facts, tests or data that back up a claim |
| Expertise | deep knowledge and skill in a topic |
| Corroborate | check a claim against other sources |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Three things to check
Bias or subjectivity: does the writer gain from what they say? A maker may praise its own product. Opinions are not facts.
Evidence and expertise: does the writer show tests or data? Are they an expert? A named engineer with test results beats a stranger with an opinion.
Publication date: is it recent enough? Software and advice change. A five year old guide may be wrong today.
The factors and the questions to ask
| Factor | Ask | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Bias | Who gains if I believe this? | A seller praising its own product |
| Evidence | Where is the proof? | No tests, no data, no links |
| Expertise | Does the writer know the topic? | No name, no job, no record |
| Date | When was this written? | Old, or for another version |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Check
Have a go
Check
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.