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TWC598

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Due Date: Friday, February 6
# of Points: 7

Citation analysis involves the evaluation of sources cited in a document. It is often used to determine if an author has used valid and relevant data and information in her work. For the purposes of this course, however, we are more concerned with the flow of information or how data/information becomes knowledge.

Jonscher talks about the distinctions between data, information, and knowledge and how knowledge is built over time. The tutorial on the "flow of information" provides examples of how data and information flow and are disseminated in different subject areas. In a sense, in each "step" along the flow, new knowledge is created.

Read: Schnaars, S.P. and Carvalho, S. (2004) Predicting the market evolution of computers: was the revolution really unforseen. Technology in Society 26:1-16. (Available in the Readings area of Blackboard--listed by author last name)

As you are reading, pay special attention to the source of the citations. You do not need to find or read the citations themselves. Work with the Schnaars article to determine as much as possible about the sources from the way they are used by Schnaars.

In a 2-3 page essay, analyze and explain how each source is related to the article itself. How and why has the author used the cited sources? What is the purpose of the citations? Discuss the article and citations in the context of the information life cycle/flow of information and creation of new knowledge.

Submit your essay using the Digital Drop Box in Blackboard. If you have not used this tool before, be sure that you click on "send file" in order to submit it. You will receive a "receipt" confirming that the file has been sent along with date/time. Don't delete this receipt--it is your proof that you have submitted the essay.