Business Question

My topic would be “The Benefits of Pets for Mental Health.” I would like to discuss how animals aid in the recovery of people hospitalized for various health issues, and how they can assist children and adults on the autism spectrum. Generally, individuals with autism are averse to physical contact; however, through their interactions with animalsspecifically cats and dogsthey often begin to accept affection and physical touch. I also intend to cover how animals provide support to people suffering from depression and anxiety.

AI and Library Research Assignment

Information Literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information efficiently and ethically. In a world of generative AI, it has become increasingly difficult to achieve information literacy. Sorting real information from fake information or AI-generated information is often challenging. This is true not only when viewing news reports, images, and social media posts, but also when conducting research for papers, speeches, etc. Students often rely on Large Language Model sources like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Co-Pilot, etc. to find the information needed for these projects. While these sources can certainly be helpful, they are not infallible, and over-reliance on them can lead to many problems. This assignment is designed to help you understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks of AI research and compare it to more traditional research methods.

This assignment requires the use of both an AI source and traditional library resources to conduct research on a topic that might be used for a speech. You will follow the steps below to find the requested sources, evaluate them on the requested criteria, properly cite them in MLA format, and compare the research methods. NOTE: If you use the same topic you plan to use for your Informative with Presentational Aid or Problem-Solution Persuasive speech for this assignment, you may be able to use some of the research found here in the development of that speech (thus, saving yourself some time in the long run).

Instructions

Step 1: Review the 6 Things to Know about AI Infographic from the News Literacy Project and the AI-related documents from your textbook publisher, McGraw-Hill (20-25 minutes)

This 6-Things to Know about AI infographic, developed by the News Literacy Project, provides an overview of some of the benefits and challenges of AI-use. The AI: What It Is and When to Use It and AI: Using the Tools Ethically documents, developed by McGraw-Hill (your textbook publisher) provide a deeper look into some of those benefits and challenges. Review these documents carefully, you will be asked to highlight a key takeaway in your deliverable for this assignment.

Step 2: Choose a Topic (10 minutes)

Choose a topic you are interested in and that is broad enough to yield multiple sources. (As noted above, if you choose a topic that you plan to use for one of your future speeches (Informative with Presentational Aid or Problem-Solution Persuasive) you may be able to use the research you find here in that speech.) If you’re stuck on a topic, I’ve created a list of topics/research questions that you can choose from for this assignment. Note that some of these lend themselves to informative speeches, while others are more persuasive… so keep that in mind if you choose to develop a speech on one of these topics. You are NOT required to use one of these topics… the list is just a resource if you need it. It can be found here:

Step 3: Conduct TWO research sessions (see below)

Research Session A: Using AI Tools (30-45 minutes)

Use an Large Language Model AI tool like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Co-Pilot.
Create a prompt asking the AI for sources related to your topic. Example: I am doing a speech on the significance of graphic novels and need at least 4 good research sources.”
Locate two of the suggested sources provided by the AI (not just the AIs response). This means going to the original source (link, article, book, etc.). IMPORTANT NOTE: If the AI provides invalid links or sources you cannot verify or locate, you should make note of this as it will be important in step 6 of this assignment.

Research Session B: Using Traditional Library Resources (30-45 minutes)

Use one of OCC’s general library databases (e.g., Academic One File, JSTOR, Academic Search Complete, etc.). You can find these by clicking: and choosing the appropriate database from the list. Note you will need your OCC login information if accessing databases off campus.
Locate two credible sources on your topic (not just the abstract in the database). This means going to the original source (link, article, book, etc.). NOTE: If you check the “Full Text” option in your search your results will include only those documents that can be found online (thus eliminating the need to find hard copies in library).

Step 4: Evaluate the Sources (45 minutes)

For each of the four (4) sources you have (2 AI-located sources + 2 library database-located sources), evaluate the following criteria by considering posed questions:

Credibility: Who is the author and/or publisher? Is the author qualified to write on this topic? How do you know? Is the publication a credible source? How do you know?
Objectivity and Bias: What perspective does the source represent? Is it objective or slanted? Does the publication and/or author have a bias? How do you know?
Reliability and Thoroughness of Coverage: Is the information backed by evidence? Can it be verified? Are sources and a bibliography provided? Is the topic covered in significant depth? Is it missing any important information?
Currency: Check the publication date of the source to ensure its currency and relevance. Some topics evolve rapidly, and older sources may not reflect the most current information. How long ago was the article published and does the date matter for this topic?
Usefulness for Purposes: If you were doing a speech on this topic would you use this source, why or why not?

Format your information similar to the table below (see sample completed assignment below):

Topic:	Identify your topic
Source #1- Found Via AI:	Identify tool used	Source #3- Found Via Library Database:	Identify database used
Source Title and Publication:		Source Title and Publication:
Credibility:		Credibility:
Objectivity and Bias:		Objectivity and Bias:
Reliability and Thoroughness:		Reliability and Thoroughness:
Currency:		Currency:
Usefulness:		Usefulness:

Source #2- Found Via AI:	Identify tool used	Source #4- Found Via Library Database:	Identify database used
Source Title and Publication:		Source Title and Publication:
Credibility:		Credibility:
Objectivity and Bias:		Objectivity and Bias:
Reliability and Thoroughness:		Reliability and Thoroughness:
Currency:		Currency:
Usefulness:		Usefulness:

Step 5: MLA Citations (15 minutes)

Create a correctly formatted MLA Works Cited list of your four sources (see and/or for examples of proper source citation sources). ALSO, include an MLA citation for your AI interaction (see below). Thus, your Works Cited list should have 5 citations.

Example MLA citation for ChatGPT:

ChatGPT. Response to I am doing a speech on the significance of graphic novels and need at least 4 good research sources. OpenAI, 8 August 2025, chat.openai.com.

Step 6: Reflect in Writing (30 minutes)

In a 1- to 2-page reflection (5 paragraphs as detailed below, about 250-350 words), respond to the following (please write in complete sentences):

1- paragraph: What was one key point you took from the 6 Things to Know About AI infographic and one key point you took from the AI: What it is and When to Use it and AI: Using the Tools Ethically documents?
1-paragraph: What were the strengths and weaknesses of each method of research (AI and Library)?
1-paragraph: Based on your analysis in Step 4, which sources do you think are more reliable or useful? Were any of the AI sources “hallucinations”, i.e were there any with invalid links or articles/books, etc. that you could not locate? Use examples to support your claims.
1-paragraph: What surprised you about using AI tools and/or library databases for research? Use examples to support your claims.
1-paragraph: How might this experience influence your future research process?

Deliverables for this Assignment

To be clear on what you need to submit. You should have 3 things in your submission:

A table with your analysis of the 4 sources you located (2 AI and 2 Library database) in the format shown above.
An MLA format Works Cited with a total of 5 entries – the 4 sources + your AI interaction citation.
A 5-paragraph (1-2 pages) reflection as indicated in step 6 above.

Sample Assignment

Below is a sample assignment for your review:

Informative Speech with Presentational Aid Guidelines

Informative speaking is the most common type of public speaking, and the one you are most likely to do as you progress in your career. Presentational Aids, including visual and audio aids, help convey information to audiences in unique and interesting ways.

General Presentation Parameters

Educate us on a topic of your choosing and use presentational aids to help convey information.
You accomplish this goal through clear organization, good support materials, well-developed presentational aids, and engaging delivery.
Teach, don’t preach. Educate, don’t advocate.
Pick a topic you would like to share with the audience (it should be something you find interesting)
Decide which type of informative speech you will be delivering (Definition, Demonstration, Description, or Explanation). See Chapter 15 for reminders on the parameters of each.
Research your topic and find a minimum of 3 credible sources.
Develop clear purpose and central idea.
Keep your audience (the class) in mind while preparing.
Develop 2-4 clear main points with transitions and strong support materials, including examples, stories, testimony, statistics, etc.
Develop strong introduction and conclusion.
Prepare your presentational aids – this can be physical objects or an electronic presentation (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi or other electronic presentation slides). You might also use audio aids like music, or videos. See Chapter 9 for more information on what makes a good presentational aid.
Create a Full-Sentence outline following the format in Chapter 12, including Specific Purpose and Central Idea and Works Cited/Bibliography.
Practice your speech at least 4 times before your speech date. TIME YOURSELF. The time limit for this speech is 5-8 minutes.

Specific Content Guidelines:

The purpose of an informative speech is to educate your audience. You should not be convincing the audience to do, believe or change anything you should be teaching them about something.
Develop a clear purpose for your presentation and use your presentational aid to help you achieve that purpose.
Visual aids are often used to clarify technical information or numerical information; to project visual images and/or to demonstrate how to do something.
Visuals can bring information to life for your audience, but they need to be used effectively and they need to be neat and professional.
You will need to conduct research on your topic using credible sources and recording all needed information, as you will need to cite your sources in both your speech and your bibliography.
This may be a speech of Definition, Description, Demonstration or an Expository speech.

Audience:

The class is your audience for this speech you cannot “pretend” to be speaking to another audience.
Therefore, think about what you know about your audience already.
Ask yourself all those important questions about this audience: how can you get them interested in your topic? What do they know already? What will you have to explain more thoroughly? How can you engage them in the speech? What concerns or objections might they have to your information? What types of support materials will help enhance your credibility with them?
The week before the speech we will have a workshop during which you will have further opportunity to talk to your audience so you can speak more directly to them.

Sources:

You need a minimum of 3 sources for this speech. They should be credible and cited in your presentation.

Time Limit:

5- to 7-minutes

Organizational Guidelines:

You should have a fully developed introduction, body, and conclusion. See chapters 10-11 if you need guidance. Organization is a critical component of success in informative speaking.

Delivery Guidelines:

Put notes on cards, not paper.
Practice your presentation at least 4 or 5 times, preferably standing up in front of other people.
Strive for conversational style, fluency, energy, and eye-contact.
Try moving around a little- take a step at transition points try to get comfortable .

Written Portion:

You need to submit a typed, full-sentence outline, including bibliography to me BEFORE you speak. You may submit this outline in hard copy format or you may submit it to the relevant dropbox, but it MUST be in the dropbox before class time on the day of your speech.

Grading Criteria:

Organization how well you organized your thoughts into main points, use of transitions, logic of organizational structure 10 points
Introduction/Conclusion How well you grabbed the audience’s attention, previewed your main points, reviewed your points at the end and “wound up” the presentation 10 points
Effective Preparation of and Use of Visual Aid 16 points
Content and Use of Support Materials clarity of information; clear purpose; use of examples, etc. to bring information to life; source citations 24 points
Audience Adaptation – how well you connected with your audience – 5 pts
Delivery vocal and physical 10 points
Overall Presentation/Effectiveness Including establishment of Need to Know- 5 points
Adherence to Time Limits – 5 pts
Outline– inclusion of all required elements, proper numerical structure/format and full-sentence format, submitted BEFORE presentation 5 points

Rubric Name: Informative with Presentational Aid Speech Rubric

Intro and Conclusion	0 points	Needs work2.5 points	Fair3.5 points	Good4 points	Excellent5 points	Criterion Score
Introduction: Well developed, memorable introduction that includes good attention-getter, audience adaptation statement, clear topic statement, credibility statement and preview of main points	Did not meet requirements	Missing many requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 5
Conclusion: Full, memorable conclusion including review of main points, clear signal of ending	Did not meet requirements	Missing many requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 5

Body Organization	0 points	Needs work6 points	Fair7 points	Good8 points	Excellent10 points	Criterion Score
Main Points – Clarity and logic: 2-4 Main points; transitions or parallel language used to clarify and keep audience on track; Main points are organized in a logical way to achieve purpose of speech; sub-points develop and support them	Did not meet requirements	Missing many requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 10

Content and Support materials	0 points	Needs significant work6 points	Needs work7 points	Fair8.5 points	Good9.5 points	Excellent12 points	Criterion Score
Central Idea/Thesis and Purpose: Purpose of the speech is clear; Thesis/Central Idea is clearly stated and fully developed in each point; clear evidence between thesis, assertions and evidence	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Missing many requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 12
Support Materials: Used strong support materials including examples, stories, statistics, testimony, etc. effectively to support and clarify claims and information; sources are cited throughout speech	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Missing many requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 12

Audience Adaptation	1 point	Needs work2.5 points	Fair3.5 points	Good4 points	Excellent5 points	Criterion Score
Relation to audience: Techniques are used to capture audience; appeals are directed specifically to the audience; topic appropriate for audience	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 5

Delivery	2 points	Needs some work6 points	Fair7 points	Good8 points	Excellent10 points	Criterion Score
Delivery: Strong delivery; good vocal inflection, rate, volume, etc. Good energy level. Fluent, engaging and enthusiastic. Good use of extemp style, facial expressions appropriate; nervousness not apparent	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 10

Effective Use of Presentational Aid	0 points	Needs work4.5 points	Fair5.5 points	Good6.5 points	Excellent8 points	Criterion Score
Used presentational aid to support and develop content of presentation; enhanced presentation	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 8
Presentational aids were chosen/designed effectively; neat, clean designs that follow standards for good visual aids	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 8

Effectiveness and Time Limits	0 points	Needs work2.5 points	Fair3.5 points	Good4 points	Excellent5 points	Criterion Score
Overall Effectiveness of presentation, including establishment of Need to Know: Well developed presentation that achieved its goal; clear need to know established and maintained throughout presentation	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 5
Time limit	Did not meet requirements	Did not meet requirements	Met some requirements	Met most requirements	Met all requirements	/ 5

Outline	0 points	Partially correct0.5 points	Partially Correct0.75 points	Included and Correct1 point	Criterion Score
Specific Purpose is included at top of outline and is in proper format	Not included	Included but not in proper format	Included but not in proper format	Included and in proper format	/ 1
Central Idea is included at top of outline and is in proper format	Not included	Included but not in proper format	Included but not in proper format	Included and in proper format	/ 1
Numbering is consistent and follows requirements as stated in text; proper subordination of points	Nomenclature and subordination not correct	Nomenclature and subordination partially correct	Nomenclature and subordination partially correct	Nomenclature and subordination correct	/ 1
Full Sentence Format is used throughout the outline; bibliography in proper MLA format	Full sentence format not used and bibliography not included	Full sentence format not consistently employed and/or bibliography not consistently in MLA format	Full sentence format not consistently employed or bibliography not consistently in MLA format	Full sentence format employed and bibliography in proper MLA format	/ 1
All parts of outline included (Intro, Body, & Conclusion labeled; transitions included.)	Missing more than 2 parts of the outline	Missing 2 parts of the outline	Missing one part of the outline	All required parts of outline (as discussed in chapter 12) included	/ 1

TotalScore of Informative with Presentational Aid Speech Rubric,/ 90

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