GEA #1 – Web Article

.pdf

School

University of South Florida *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

4612

Subject

Psychology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by ac00422

Avry Christie GEY 4612 Psychology of Aging - Spring 2024 Information Literacy Project: GEA #1 – Web Article (60 points) 1. Article Summary (one paragraph, at least five sentences) This article begins with making massive claims that essential oils and aromatherapy can benefit Alzheimer’s Disease patients, stating that certain essential oils can support memory, stimulate appetite, and explicitly stating that they can “treat” symptoms of dementia. With this article promoting the sale and utilization of aromatherapy and essential oils for the mitigation of symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, I struggle to consider this website a “credible source” in accordance with guidelines outlined not only by the TRAAP Test guidelines, but the additional evident observations that discredit the website article as a whole (including, but not limited to, outdated references from at least eleven years ago that are vaguely referenced in the bibliography, the evident bias toward aromatherapy and “alternative” methods of handling symptoms, etc.). From the hypothetical perspective of an immediate family member to an individual with Alzheimer’s Disease, however, the initial perception of this article may vary. I feel that depending on severity or progression and emotional bond, there is a potential for the family member to fall vulnerable to inaccurate, outdated, and/or unreliable research. 2. TRAAP Test Ratings Timeliness: The "newness" of the information Rating: _2_ Explain your rating for Timeliness in at least five sentences. This article was initially published by John Schmid in August 2010. With the ever-evolving nature of scientific research, the age of the information may impact the accuracy as there are no recently-published sources referenced in this article that may support the claims made throughout this article. From this particular author on this website—given the evidence that the author’s history is public and that the website focuses primarily on promoting aromatherapy and alternative methods to “treatment”—there is no recent version of this article that supports or refutes the original. However, upon further research, there are additional recent studies that refute the alleged correlation of essential oils “treating” Alzheimer’s, although it should be noted that general observations as it relates to certain essential oils are discussed within the context of how they may benefit Alzheimer’s patients. There are no links to the bibliography sources vaguely referenced throughout the article, but the titles of the sources are searchable throughout scholarly 1

Avry Christie - Spring 2024 journals; furthermore, it should be noted that all hyperlinks either lead to other webpages within the Best Alzheimer’s Products site, or to affiliate business partners. Relevance: The depth and importance of the information for you. Rating: _2_ Explain your rating for Relevance in at least five sentences. The intended audience is targeted at family members and loved ones of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Although depending on the demographic, a portion of the audience may have an academic background and could be considered a “scholarly” audience, this information is not presented to a board of researchers or anything similar. Therefore, it may be safe to assume that this audience is already somewhat vulnerable and looking for potential solutions to a depressing and (currently) incurable disease. Similar sources that verbally support the claims made throughout the article are available, but massive discourse is evident amongst other credible sources and it is generally discouraging to claim that these oils can “treat” Alzheimer’s, as this may imply to the audience that the author believes that this is an ultimate means to finding a cure. Due to the nature of the article, only citing potentially outdated sources that support the author’s claims and encouraging readers to purchase products from the store associated with the website platform, I would find myself to be quite uncomfortable with the prospect of citing this article in an academic context. Authority: The Source of the information Rating: _3_ Explain your rating for Authority in at least five sentences. This information was published by John Schmid who, upon further research into his editorial history, is an active writer for Best Alzheimer’s Products and holds an identity as a public figure outside of the platform . The sources cited throughout this article do not seem to be evident in any of the other articles published by Schmid, with this particular article not being mentioned anywhere else from my observation. The credentials of the author seem to match throughout Schmid’s biographical section and other online sources, but would need further verification of credentials to prove that beyond the shadow of a doubt. Although Schmid remains a public figure within this community, I would question the authority of his work. Schmid is a co-owner of Best Alzheimer’s Products alongside his spouse, potentially leaving room for bias in published work. 2

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:PEARSON

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology

ISBN:9781337408271

Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.

Publisher:Cengage Learning,

Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...

Psychology

ISBN:9781337565691

Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780393265156

Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...

Psychology

ISBN:9781285763880

Author:E. Bruce Goldstein

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)

Psychology

ISBN:9781305652958

Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz

Publisher:Cengage Learning

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning