Assignment: Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs, importance, and social and cultural context.
Topic: Embryonic stem cell research.
Stem cell research can lead to cures for a variety of diseases, but some consider research using embryonic stem cells morally unacceptable. Your assignment is to answer the following question: Should embryonic stem cell research be allowed?
One of your objectives during your research assignment is to gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources and assess the strengths and limitations of each source. Below are three websites that deal with stem cell research. Your task is to critically evaluate each one and decide which website(s), if any, you would use in order to come to the conclusion that stem cell research should or should not be allowed. For each website below, write on a separate sheet of paper whether you would or would not select it as a reliable information source. Next to your decision, write down all of the ways that you evaluated the site and the reasons for your decision. Note: You should not spend more than five minutes evaluating each website.
Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics: http://www.stemcellresearch.org/
Stem Cell Information: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics3.asp
Michael Fumento: Embryonic Research Driven by Greed, Not Science: http://fumento.com/biotech/greatstemcell.html
