Lesson plan
Information cycle
The term information cycle refers to the way information is processed and distributed and how it changes over time. It is usually used to describe the progression of media coverage relating to a particular newsworthy event or topic during which information goes through various stages of reporting and publication. In the cycle model, information begins circulation with a news story presented via the Internet, television, radio, or newspaper, followed by its release in magazines. The information is then researched by scholars and published in academic journals or books and presented at academic conferences. Finally, if the information is considered important enough, it is included in reference works such as handbooks and encyclopedias. As information passes through these stages, its content and presentation changes. Initial news coverage may take place as events unfold, and offer only the basics in terms of "who, what, when, and where." News magazines will provide more background information, adding the fifth W, "why," especially in less frequently appearing or specialized periodicals. As more time passes, scholars will research the information and write detailed studies that take historical context and long-term meaning into account. Finally, after a few years, books regarding the information may appear.…
Article summary
The term information cycle refers to the way information is processed and distributed and how it changes over time. It is usually used to describe the progression of media coverage relating to a particular newsworthy event or topic during which information goes through various stages of reporting and publication. In the cycle model, information begins circulation with a news story presented via the Internet, television, radio, or newspaper, followed by its release in magazines. The information is then researched by scholars and published in academic journals or books and presented at academic conferences. Finally, if the information is considered important enough, it is included in reference works such as handbooks and encyclopedias. As information passes through these stages, its content and presentation changes. Initial news coverage may take place as events unfold, and offer only the basics in terms of "who, what, when, and where." News magazines will provide more background information, adding the fifth W, "why," especially in less frequently appearing or specialized periodicals. As more time passes, scholars will research the information and write detailed studies that take historical context and long-term meaning into account. Finally, after a few years, books regarding the information may appear.…
Key claims
No claims recorded.
Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
No sources recorded.
Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.