Information cycle
The Information Cycle describes the evolving way in which news and information about an event are disseminated and interpreted over time, typically spanning from the immediate aftermath of the event to several years later. Initially, information is shared through various media channels, including social media, television, and radio, primarily by journalists reporting on eyewitness accounts. This early information may lack completeness and accuracy due to time constraints and the rapid nature of reporting.
As time progresses, the information becomes more detailed and reliable. Newspapers provide more in-depth coverage the following day, while magazines and other print media offer analyses in the weeks that follow, often incorporating expert opinions and contextual discussions. Academic journals typically publish studies related to the event six to twelve months later, focusing on specific aspects and undergoing peer review for accuracy.
Eventually, comprehensive books and government reports emerge, providing thorough explorations of the event's broader context, impacts on public policy, and statistical analysis. Over a year later, textbooks and encyclopedias compile the event's historical significance, often produced by experts and including bibliographies to facilitate further research. This cycle highlights the importance of understanding how information develops over time, which is crucial for conducting accurate and informed research.
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Information cycle
The information cycle refers to the changes in the pattern by which news is shared by various media in the days, weeks, months, and years after an event. Understanding the changes and stages of the cycle is helpful in identifying the best and most accurate information. This is especially important when conducting research about a news event.
Overview
The day of an event, information is shared via the internet, television, radio, and various other media sources. The content is mostly written by journalists and content creators employed specifically to cover news. It is often limited to what can be observed or discovered by speaking to eyewitnesses. Details may be incomplete, inaccurate, and even contradictory. This information is intended for the general public.
Newspapers begin producing information about the event that is meant to be disseminated for the second day. It is still produced by journalists and other news professionals intended for the general public. The information tends to be more in depth and accurate. Time has allowed for additional details to be gathered and analyzed. Journalists have interviewed more eyewitnesses, government officials, and experts and have collected more statistics.
Coverage in magazines and other print media typically begins in the following weeks. Journalists will still write much of the coverage, but some articles will be written by scholars and experts. The information shared is longer, more detailed, and may be tailored for the specific readership of the magazine. Enough time has passed for a more thorough discussion of the impact of the event. The information is generally accurate but may be subject to editorial bias.
Six to twelve months later, the event appears in academic journals. These articles are most often written by researchers, scholars, and other experts and intended for a specific audience. Articles often focus on select aspects of the event. They are frequently peer-reviewed by other experts and include bibliographies to allow fact checking.
Books typically appear in about a year, but they can be produced much sooner. They are often written by experts, but in reality can be written by anyone with an interest in the subject. They can be directed at a specific or general audience. The length of a book means overage is generally more in depth, but this does not guarantee that it is accurate or without bias. Books often explain the broader context of how and why the event occurred. Bibliographies provide a way to check accuracy and identify other resources for research.
Government reports are also published after about a year. They are written by committees, panels, or organizations charged with oversight of the event. The information is intended for a wide audience. It is factual and usually considers statistics and other verifiable information. Reports often focus on how the event affects public welfare and policy.
Once the event is more than a year old, it is included in textbooks, encyclopedias, and other similar resources. The authors are nearly all experts. The information may be intended for a general audience, but can be focused for specific fields of study. It is often a broad overview of the event but may include statistics and similar details. Bibliographies make it easy to cross-check information or find other resources.
Bibliography
“How News Has Changed.” Macalester College, www.macalester.edu/news/2017/04/how-news-has-changed/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
“Information Cycle.” Eastern Kentucky University, studio.eku.edu/information-cycle. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
“Information Cycle.” Illinois University, www.library.illinois.edu/ugl/howdoi/informationcycle/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
“The Information Cycle.” William Madison Randall Library, library.uncw.edu/build/informationcycle/?page=11. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
“Introduction to the Information Cycle.” Thompson Rivers University Library, libguides.tru.ca/infocycle. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
“Research Foundations: The Information Timeline.” Seminole State College Library, libguides.seminolestate.edu/researchfoundations/informationtimeline. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
“What Is the Information Cycle?” Lloyd Sealy Library, guides.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/c.php?g=288310&p=1922478. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.