Accessing Reliable Information
Comparing Financial Sources
In this activity, you will compare three different sources of financial information to determine their reliability. Using one of the types of sources of financial information that we discussed in the Content area of this topic, select a well-publicized financial story or event from that material. Then, find two other financial sources that also provide information about the same story or event.
As you examine each of the three sources, ask yourself the following questions:
- Who is the author or creator of the source and what are their credentials?
- Does the information seem accurate compared to the other sources or any prior knowledge you had about the story?
- How detailed is the information?
- If the source contains statistics, does the author cite where that information was obtained?
- Does the source have advertiseing and/or is the company trying to sell you something?
Once you have evaluated all three sources, select the source that you think is the least reliable. Then, compose a letter of complaint to the author about why you think the source is inaccurate or unreliable. Your one page letter should include details on why you think the source is unreliable, the methods that you used to determine reliability, and how the author can fix the source to meet your standards.
You may need to conduct research for statistics or other information that you find persuasive, and you will need to properly cite any external resources that you use. Before you begin, review the Letter of Complaint Checklist so that you understand how your assignment will be graded.
Once you have completed your letter of complaint, please submit it to the dropbox.