Credible Science and Real-world Problems
Directions: Use this template to complete the Week 6 assignment.
Your name:
1. Explain the attributes of a credible and high-quality source. Include examples of
credible sources.
Credible and high-quality sources improve the reliability, credibility, and integrity of
research findings and outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to determine reliable
and credible sources while conducting research or making an argument. Key attributes
of high-quality, reliable, and credible sources include purpose, currency, depth,
authority, and objectivity (Bartee et al., 2017).
Purpose – what is the main aim of the source? Is the information intended to entertain,
influence public perspective, provide research, or inform? A reliable and credible source
addresses a constrained and specific area of study or consideration.
Currency – How recent is the source? When was it published? It is crucial to check
dates and consider sources that are up-to-date, specifically those that date five to ten
years old.
Depth – How intensive is the source? Reliable and high-quality sources provide detailed
information regarding a specific area or problem rather than an overview of it.
Authority – Who are the authors? What are their academic qualifications? Authors must
be part of unbiased and reputable organizations. Moreover, it is important to note that
some sources have more than one author (Bartee et al., 2017).
Objectivity – are sources using biased data? Does the bias influence the findings?
1
, Reliable sources have credible and unbiased information.
An example of high-quality, reliable, and credible sources include peer-reviewed
articles CDC guidelines and WHO reports.
2. Summarize the findings and effectiveness of treating your chosen emerging or
infectious disease. Include supporting examples.
The selected infectious or emerging disease is COVID-19 which emerged in 2019 from
China. The pandemic caused panic and fear among the public. It was unique and
challenging since it was spreading faster, recording a higher rate of deaths within a
short period (Burdorf et al., 2020). The symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, sore
throat, fever, difficulty breathing, body aches, and cough. To manage and prevent the
spread of coronavirus and reduce death and hospitalization rates in the world, the
World Health Organization (WHO) approved several vaccines including the Oxford
AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine was similar to those that were used to curb
pandemics such as swine flu (H1N1) and Ebola. Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, a
diminished virus molecule, triggered white blood cells to produce antibodies to fight the
coronavirus. WHO claimed that the vaccine was effective, safe, and appropriate for
individuals above 18 years. It was administered to older people, those with underlying
health issues, and healthcare and social workers (Knoll & Wonodi, 2021). WHO further
instructed people who were already infected with the virus to get the Oxford
AstraZeneca vaccine. However, the findings indicated that individuals with adverse
allergic conditions to get vaccinated with Oxford AstraZeneca. As per primary research,
the vaccine had an efficacy of approximately 72 percent against coronavirus. The
efficacy was higher among individuals who got a second vaccination after 3 months (12
2
Directions: Use this template to complete the Week 6 assignment.
Your name:
1. Explain the attributes of a credible and high-quality source. Include examples of
credible sources.
Credible and high-quality sources improve the reliability, credibility, and integrity of
research findings and outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to determine reliable
and credible sources while conducting research or making an argument. Key attributes
of high-quality, reliable, and credible sources include purpose, currency, depth,
authority, and objectivity (Bartee et al., 2017).
Purpose – what is the main aim of the source? Is the information intended to entertain,
influence public perspective, provide research, or inform? A reliable and credible source
addresses a constrained and specific area of study or consideration.
Currency – How recent is the source? When was it published? It is crucial to check
dates and consider sources that are up-to-date, specifically those that date five to ten
years old.
Depth – How intensive is the source? Reliable and high-quality sources provide detailed
information regarding a specific area or problem rather than an overview of it.
Authority – Who are the authors? What are their academic qualifications? Authors must
be part of unbiased and reputable organizations. Moreover, it is important to note that
some sources have more than one author (Bartee et al., 2017).
Objectivity – are sources using biased data? Does the bias influence the findings?
1
, Reliable sources have credible and unbiased information.
An example of high-quality, reliable, and credible sources include peer-reviewed
articles CDC guidelines and WHO reports.
2. Summarize the findings and effectiveness of treating your chosen emerging or
infectious disease. Include supporting examples.
The selected infectious or emerging disease is COVID-19 which emerged in 2019 from
China. The pandemic caused panic and fear among the public. It was unique and
challenging since it was spreading faster, recording a higher rate of deaths within a
short period (Burdorf et al., 2020). The symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, sore
throat, fever, difficulty breathing, body aches, and cough. To manage and prevent the
spread of coronavirus and reduce death and hospitalization rates in the world, the
World Health Organization (WHO) approved several vaccines including the Oxford
AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine was similar to those that were used to curb
pandemics such as swine flu (H1N1) and Ebola. Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, a
diminished virus molecule, triggered white blood cells to produce antibodies to fight the
coronavirus. WHO claimed that the vaccine was effective, safe, and appropriate for
individuals above 18 years. It was administered to older people, those with underlying
health issues, and healthcare and social workers (Knoll & Wonodi, 2021). WHO further
instructed people who were already infected with the virus to get the Oxford
AstraZeneca vaccine. However, the findings indicated that individuals with adverse
allergic conditions to get vaccinated with Oxford AstraZeneca. As per primary research,
the vaccine had an efficacy of approximately 72 percent against coronavirus. The
efficacy was higher among individuals who got a second vaccination after 3 months (12
2
