For my research on cochlear implants, I had to create an annotated bibliography. The goal was to focus on web sources and how to judge if they have appropriate content. I learned that there are five pieces of criteria to evaluate web sources: accuracy, authority, objectivity, coverage, and currency. I also gained experience with writing sources in American Psychological Association format. It was a challenge for me because I had not had much experience with that style. I learned more about the importance of citing sources correctly and on evaluating sources.
Cochlear Implants Annotated Bibliography Arana-Ward, M. (1997, May 11). As technology advances, a bitter debate divides the deaf. This article discusses a wide variety of statistics relating to cochlear implants. I found many of them interesting. For instance, statistics show that the average deaf person has a fourth grade reading level, and a high school dropout rate of 1 in 3. It is also a fact that of those who do pursue college, only 1 out of 5 finishes to receive a degree. Another statistic this article provides is that the deaf make around 30% less than the general population and those who are lucky to be employed are usually manual laborers. This information can really make someone think of the benefits of cochlear implants in our society. It makes me wonder why anyone would not take the opportunity to hear because they could be giving themselves a chance for a better future. This article also shows the numbers of the people who have been implanted and how society views those implantees. This information is reliable. It has been researched by the author to make sure it is accurate. The author of this article was a staff writer from The Washington Post. Now she is the editor for the Washington Post’s Book World. She is well-known for her articles and her credentials show this. I believe this site presents a balanced point of view. It lists the pros and cons of cochlear implants. It also includes interviews of those for and against implantation. It delves into the strong differences in people’s views on the issue. This information is very easy to understand. I think it is written for people who are completely unaware of what cochlear implants are. The article introduces the basics of cochlear implants and builds upon the importance of receiving them and the downside as well. This article is somewhat older (1997), but most of the information covered in it is still current. The basics of cochlear implants and the views of individuals and society have not changed. The only things that might have changed are some of the specific numbers within the data gathered.
Chute, P. (2002-2004). Cochlear implant expert - current & past questions. Retrieved September 30, 2004, from
http://www.hearingexchange.com/experts/cochlear_implant.htm
This source is a question and answer section about items relating to cochlear implants. One important concept discussed is the issue regarding sign language in a child’s learning and how this can affect their listening and auditory skills. It explains how children should use oral and sign language. Other items discussed are some of the risks associated with cochlear implants, such as meningitis and facial nerve damage. There were also general questions asked about different types of implants and defects associated with them. The audience of this source seemed to be people familiar with cochlear implants, but those who had specific questions regarding certain situations.
This information is strongly reliable. It is based upon numerous researches known to the authority answering the questions. Dr. Chute has been studying cochlear implants since 1979 and has written over forty publications about them. She is the Coordinator of Audiology, the Director of Research, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Children's Hearing Institute, an organization that raises money to support research related to hearing and its disorders. I believe the web site does present a neutral point of view because it never says her opinion. She only tells the audience information supported by research and clearly states that every situation is different. I believe that the information presented is comprehensive for my needs. Her replies are written clearly that I can understand her answers, even without knowing much about cochlear implants. The website is up to date. This section continues to add questions over time and previous responses that are no longer current are changed or removed.
This book covers many aspects of cochlear implants, going into much detail. Its main focus is for hearing people who are not familiar with cochlear implants. One thing it discusses is the risks associated with being implanted, such as your body rejecting the implant. It also discusses the isolation a child may feel at a hearing school because they do not feel completely “normal.” Teachers there often cannot communicate fully, and the kid’s participation in extra-curricular activities and sports is low. In contrast, it tells how deaf schools have gotten embroiled in sex-abuse and physical-abuse scandals. It delves into the issue of the arguments from the hearing and the deaf world. It is interesting to note how both societies feel about the issue.
This book is in a question and answer format. It attempts to answer some common questions and concerns about cochlear implants. This source is reliable. Both of the authors, with the help of numerous others, did much research to make sure this information was accurate. One author, Matthew Moore, has produced and directed Deaf Magazine, a half-hour magazine-format show focusing on deaf issues and personalities. He has also written a few books relating to the deaf culture. Linda Levitan has also been involved in the deaf community and has done much research in writing this book. This book does present a balanced view point on cochlear implants. It explains the positives and the negatives on implantation. There are many facts and supporting detail to help present this information making it very easy to understand. The information presented within the book is still current. This new edition (previous one was 1993) has only been out a year and not much data has changed since then.
*Graphic from The Print Shop Premier Edition 5.0
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