Acknowledgement of data sources

• the ethical obligation of individuals to reference the author of information that they use
• The Copyright Act protects the source of data, as people are not allowed to copy the work of another without permission. It is against the law to violate copyright.
• Data gathered from the Internet is protected by copyright. Acknowledgment and permission of the owner is needed to use text and images from a website.
• Students may use a reasonable portion of original work if the work is correctly cited.
• Source (of the data): Person or organisation that developed the data. Data can come from:
  • Informal Sources: (Conversation, Meeting, Observation)
  • Formal Sources: Provides data that is logically organised Example: Report, Book, Official Document
    • No guarantee of accuracy

Cons

• referencing + sourcing data can be a nuisance bc of different standards (APA, Harvard)

Pros

• allows authors to be correctly acknowledged
• referencing multiple sources of info from credible sources improves data integrity

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

• State level FOIA = NSW FOIA 1989
• Federal level FOIA = Australia FOIA 1982
  • gives members of the public the right to access information contained within government departments and agencies
  • public can’t view all information; they can only access info related the operation of specific departments and about themselves that doesn’t invade another person’s privacy
  • individual needs to make a request in writing to gain access to government documentation

Cons

• time + financial costs when requesting info (improved in 2010 amendment)
• Requests may take up to 2 weeks

Pros

• individuals can make changes to incorrect data when requested, improving system’s data integrity
• government transparency; allows individuals to be informed of government projects and practices