Critical Thinking: Tools for Internet Information Evaluation

Abstract

This qualitative study describes strategies employed by sophisticated adult World Wide Web users as they evaluate authentic Web information with the purpose of adapting these strategies for children in K-12 settings. The participants in this study followed think-aloud protocols and answered interview questions about two Web documents containing numerous misinformation devices. Evaluative strategies from these verbalizations were extracted and analyzed. Findings include a list of strategies and a description of three evaluative “styles.” Finally, suggestions for the use and teaching of these strategies in elementary school through middle school are made.