• Textbook: Chapter 6, 7
• One page only
S e l f – A s s e s s m e n t Q u e s t i o n
Before you submit your initial post, make sure to read the assigned chapter. Then, ask
yourself the following: Did the article in Chapter 6 of the text seem credible and reliable?
Why? Be very specific:
• Was it because it is in a textbook?
• Because it was written by a learned and respected person?
• Because of content in the article?
• Because of your previous knowledge of the SPLC?
I n i t i a l P o s t I n s t r u c t i o n s
For the initial post, address the following:
• Conduct additional research on the SPLC. Did your opinion alter in any way?
Why?
Only after you have done some responsible research should you begin to respond to
the discussion prompt. The discussion is not about the SPLC; it is not about Dr.
Facione. It is about what you have learned about forming opinions.
Your post must answer this question:
• How do you define the term “expert”?
Your post must also discuss the following questions:
1. How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion? Explain what you
believe to be the purpose or function of facts in making a judgment.
2. How did you respond to the self-assessment question? Since doing further
research, have you re-thought the way in which you assess credibility and
reliability? What is the importance of factoring the recency of a reference or
opinion (i.e., how old is it?) into an assessment of credibility and reliability?