Transcript Evaluating Sources of Information

Evaluating Sources of
Information
Is this a good source for my
paper?
Why do I need to check my sources?
• I want those who
read my paper to
know I am telling the
truth.
• Mrs. Wardyn does
not like information
that is not correct.
Do I need to check all sources?
• YES!
• However, you can
usually count on most
books to be accurate.
• Watch out for websites!
Anyone with Internet
access can make a
website.
How do I know if my source is credible?
• Credible means you
can trust the source.
• Look into it!
• Authority
• Content
• Value
Authority
• Is this something I can
believe or trust?
• Author
– What are his/her
qualifications?
• Source/Publisher
– Is this a well-respected
publication or agency?
Content: Accuracy
• Does it support a
claim with accurate
evidence?
• Look at:
– Details in context
– Statistics, survey
results, or facts
– Graphs
– Expert testimony
Content: Bias
• Is it objective?
• Objective: Has no
opinion.
• Is there a hidden motive?
• Does it advocate a
particular attitude or
belief?
• Does it have a special
interest?
• Is the information fact,
opinion, or propaganda?
Content: Bias (Websites)
• Who sponsors this
web site?
• An educational
institution? (.edu)
• A government
body? (.gov)
• A non-profit
organization? (.org)
• A commercial site?
(.com)
• A company selling
Internet services?
(.net)
Content: Currency
• What kind of
information do I
need for my
research?
• How old is the
article?
• Is this historic
information?
• Do I need more
recent or current
information for this
topic?
• Is it outdated for my
research?
• Is it relevant for my
research?
Value
• Will the information
be useful in my
research?
• Is there important
information here?
• Is there enough
information here?
• Should I take notes
on this article?
• Have I recorded all
the critical elements
of this resource?
Helpful Hints
• Use the school’s databases for credible
sources.
• Stay away from .com sites!
• When in doubt, throw it out! Find
another source.
• You can use real people as credible
sources For example, if your topic is
administrators you could interview Mr.
Glather!