Eighth Graders' Critical Evaluation of Internet Sources About a Controversial Issue

• In Event: 52.027 - Comprehension of Conflicting Information

Abstract

This study examined how eighth-graders evaluate the trustworthiness of Internet sources on a controversial issue. Data for analysis included prior opinions, trustworthiness ratings of five sources, justifications of ratings, and a reading comprehension measure. Reading ability positively influenced students’ ability to evaluate trustworthiness. Ratings were also influenced by prior opinion but mediated by reading ability. Students attended to content accuracy most frequently, but high level readers attended to authorship more than average and low level readers. Data suggest that both average and low level readers had difficulty retaining a metacognitive stance while evaluating sources. The study points to the importance of instruction that scaffolds source evaluation for average and struggling readers, particularly in the context of research on controversial issues.

Authors

• Angela K. Johnson, Michigan State University

• Ralph T. Putnam, Michigan State University