You should search for additional texts on the topic to find related sources, sources in which this source is cited, and sources that cite this source in order to get a stronger picture of its intellectual relevance and value. Evaluate sources of information by examining them for authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage. My source cites or links to other sources that appear relevant and trustworthy. In order for a source to be included in a database, it usually must go through a screening process that requires individuals to verify the information in the text. It is written by a trustworthy author or organization. The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased. In some disciplines, material can become outdated very swiftly. However, the deeper you get into your topic, the more comprehensive your research will need to be. What else has the author written? Consider your audience and compare with a variety of sources. Sometimes your instructor will require you to incorporate certain types of resources into your research, but for other assignments, you will be looking for sources on your own. Audience. Copyright 1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Evaluating Primary Sources It is important to examine primary sources with a critical eye since they represent unfiltered records of the past. It's also important to choose credible sources, evaluate them critically, and use them effectively to support your argument. Our daily routine and habits determine what we eat but not when we eat. This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. There are six (6) criteria that should be applied when evaluating any Web site: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, and appearance. Could the evidence be used to draw other conclusions? If you don't find your topic discussed, try searching for some synonyms in the Index. Who are the intended readers and what is the publication's purpose? If youre reading an opinion-based source, ask yourself whether theres enough evidence to back up the opinions. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Citation databases will also tell you the number of times this source has been cited by other academics, giving you further insight into its credibility. We are constantly surrounded by information, and it is not always easy to know which sources to trust. Are there any specific texts or scholars that have greatly influenced the field? Others may become caught up in a heavily unbalanced viewpoint and can take some timemonths perhapsto regain a better-balanced consensus (see Researching with Wikipedia). An opinion gives the thoughts of a particular individual or group. Any resourceprint, human, or electronicused to support your research topic must be evaluated for its credibility and reliability. Academic dishonesty can be intentional or unintentional, ranging from something as simple as claiming to have read something you didnt to copying your neighbors answers on an exam. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. Popular sources like magazines and news articles are typically written by journalists. Evaluating Your Sources. If youre reading a fact-based source, be sure that it doesnt oversimplify the topic. by Audience. To ensure you include only valid information in your research, evaluate your sources using the criteria below. Is the source related to your research topic? Paper Research Paper Sources for a Research Paper. But how can you tell the good from the bad? For example, Hoosier State Chronicles is a database that only houses Indiana newspapers, while JSTOR is a database that holds a wider variety of journals and books. Can the information you found be verified elsewhere, even via a simple Google search? Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Does the source provide original information (primary), or does it summarize information from other sources (secondary)? For example, companies that are owned by Google will most likely appear first when searching for something on Google. If the material does not measure up to expected standards of scholarly work, it may still be of use to you. The OER Commons is a public digital library that is curated by librarians, and a solid place to start. This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. Because so much information is now available online, its important to know how to navigate digital sources versus print sources. Don't dismiss it completely; Gregor Mendel's work was cited only three times, criticized, and ignored for 35 years before his discoveries in genetics were recognized in the field of science. If a source has a list of references, it often means that the source is well-researched and thorough. Evaluating Internet Resources Unlike similar information found in newspapers or television broadcasts, information available on the Internet is not regulated for quality or accuracy; therefore, it is particularly important for the individual Internet user to evaluate the resource or information. Rather than taking these figures at face value, you decide to determine the accuracy of the sources claims by cross-checking them with official statistics such as census reports and figures compiled by the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Immigration Statistics. Google Scholar also has a function called Cited By that can show you where the author has been cited. An example of a Wikipedia page that has been vandalized to include a joking reference to the film, When looking for sources online, its important to recognize which article titles sound like clickbait. Even if the individual claim is true, the way it is presented helps the author tell a much larger lie. Secondly, you should think about bias. Communication & Mass Media Complete. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Mailing Address: 3501 University Blvd. Privacy policy. What is the difference between a scholarly and a popular source? For tips on getting a second opinion and evaluating non-academic sources, read on! Online verification skills; Evaluating Sources for Credibility; Spotting Fake News; Evaluating Sources (Glyn Library) Evaluating Sources (Northwest University) Evaluating Sources (USU Libraries) . Evaluating Sources for Credibility - YouTube 0:00 / 3:14 Evaluating Sources for Credibility libncsu 4.88K subscribers Subscribe 1.9K Share Save 739K views 7 years ago What does it mean for a. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. Your resources need to be recent enough for your topic. If a source does not pass the above guidelines, it does not mean that the information contained within is false. political)? A few of the most common social media platforms are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and Instagram. Clickbait is a type of sensationalized advertisement that seeks to attract viewers through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines. Relevance: Refers to the degree to which the information is related . 3) Currency. Evaluating the authority, usefulness, and reliability of resources is a crucial step in conducting a review of the literature that effectively covers pertinent research and, thereby, demonstrates to the reader that you know what you're talking about. You may need to do research to uncover the answers to some of these questions, but considering these questions and the answers is an important step in determining credibility of a source. from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/, What Are Credible Sources & How to Spot Them | Examples. Note that this does not mean that all information found in well-packaged sources is credible. Together, these criteria form what is known as the CRAAP test. Academics have a long memory; too many transgressions into the land of unreliable sources, and youll be a marked writer with a marred reputation. If a bibliographic citation seems promising, its a good idea to spend a bit more time with the source before you determine its credibility. Facts are objective, while opinions and propaganda are subjective. What are the top three things that indicate that my source is credible? Determine whether they're relevant to your topic. Primary sources are often considered the most credible in terms of providing evidence for your argument, as they give you direct evidence of what you are researching. Verify the information you already know against the information found in the source. To assess an arguments strengths and weaknesses, ask: Situating a source in relation to other sources (lateral reading) can help you determine whether the authors arguments and conclusions are reliable and how you will respond to them in your own writing. Below are some questions to ask and things to consider as you read through a source. They are not always reliable and may be written from a biased or uninformed perspective, but they can still be cited in some contexts. 4) Coverage. Has the author been cited by other scholars? The date something was published can greatly affect the information given. When Isaac Newton said the famous quote "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.", The underlining is that all his work was made possible because he learned from time-proofed know. Because clickbait sources exist simply to promote webpages, they are not considered credible sources. How does the author use evidence? 2. Consulting the index for key terms or the names of important scholars. It is important to consider how the author uses these sources. A credible source is free from bias and backed up with evidence. Can it be interpreted differently? Open Educational Resources, or OERs, are materials that have been licensed for free use in educational settings. Online scholarly databases that can be trusted and are known to provide useful information for students include LexisNexis and EBSCO. Anne Burke Associate Head, Learning Spaces & Services Video added on June 1, 2015 Credits Anne Burke: Project Lead, Storyboards Lisa Becksford: Script, Editing Third, how current is the source? If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the Cite this Scribbr article button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator. Remember, anyone can publish information on the Internet. If you cannot find that information corroborated in scholarly sources, thats a red flag that the information is not trustworthy, and you should not include it in your argument. Non-scholarly books might deal with scholarly subject matter sociology, for example, or politics. Approved. It benefits students and researchers who need to evaluate sources for academic purposes. You may have found good information, but your provider can tell you whether it's good for you. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Evaluating Sources: Introduction Evaluating Sources: Introduction Evaluating sources means recognizing whether the information you read and include in your research is credible. References If your source does not contain any of these elements, consider reading the first few paragraphs of the source and determining whether it includes enough information on your topic for it to be relevant. Most sites that use clickbait use it to simply gain clicks on their site. Below are some questions to consider once you've found a primary source (s): RUSA's Guide to Evaluating Primary Sources : Who is the author or creator? There are a few criteria to look at right away when assessing a source. Where does the author work? You can evaluate the reliability and scholarship of information you find both online and in print by using these guidelines: Authorship If the author is not identified be wary. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Who are the intended readers and what is the publication's purpose? Some personal websites exist solely to spread propaganda or other biased information. Does the information come from an author or organization that has authority to speak on your topic? It can also involve the selective reporting of true information in order to deceive an audience. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. At the bottom of most Wikipedia pages, you can find a list of sources that will take you to other pages (see image below). The more familiar you become with your topic, the easier it will be for you to evaluate the evidence in your sources. Enjoy! Are your sources credible? Web. Reducing the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables does not influence the consumption of these foods. Having information listed in more than one place increases its credibility. 2 Mar. These highly personal and subjective sources are seldom reliable enough to stand on their own in your final research product. For example, critical theorist Slavoj ieks reputation and credibility has been significantly damaged after a 2014 accusation of plagiarism. For further guidance, Kaneisha Gaston, Teaching and Undergraduate Services Librarian in Butler Library, can help you evaluate online sources forcredibility. George, T. Is the author an expert in their field? When evaluating the credibility of a website, look first at the URL. If you are interested in using a YouTube video in your research, look at whether the publisher is a larger organization (such as TED or National Geographic) or a single user that only publishes under a username. However, unlike encyclopedias, Wikipedia pages can be edited by anyone, which means that sometimes the information stated is not reliable and is edited for the sake of making a joke (see example below). When evaluating academic journals or books published by university presses, its always a good rule of thumb to ensure they are peer-reviewed and published in a reputable journal. What about the news? If at all possible, look for that same information from a peer-reviewed source, rather than a professors personal .edu source. Your resources need to be recent enough for your topic. For each criterion, there are several questions to be asked. This test is used to evaluate sources of information and determine their credibility. How do you know that your sources are of value? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. While a scientific study showed that Wikipedia is as accurate as professionally generated encyclopedias. Evaluating Your Sources. Finding the authors educational background and areas of expertise will help determine whether the author has experience in what theyre writing about. "Reputation And Impact In Academic Careers." Most of the sources you use in your assessments should be credible and academic, such as peer reviewed journals and scholarly texts. In academia, these types of arguments are sometimes more valued than those based on the writings of famous thinkers because they suggest you have the ability to question accepted thinking and push the boundaries of the discipline. Tegan George. What theories, methods, or models do they use? Why is it important to evaluate an online source before citing it? What other works has the author published? Blogs can range in subject, from seasonal fashion tips to discussing every one of Emily Dickinsons poems. Try out the Dependability Checklist. The definition of a credible source can change depending on the discipline, but in general, for academic writing, a credible source is one that is unbiased and is backed up with evidence. But as a primary text that is to say, a text that needs to be analyzed rather than a secondary text which is a text that might support your argument or provide a theoretical framework for your analysis, for example. Does the source support its arguments and conclusions with evidence? Like YouTube videos, podcasts can be valuable resources if used correctly. The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching. Severe academic dishonesty can include buying a pre-written essay or the answers to a multiple-choice test, or falsifying a medical emergency to avoid taking a final exam. Do they confirm or challenge established knowledge? Backlinks to other sources are up-to-date and not broken. Evaluating Sources Read More Diane Shepelwich 3395 26 Criteria for Evaluating Sources Key Takeaways. The information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. However, they are written to entertain a lay audience, not to inform a scholarly audience. Secondary sources are articles that help people to understand their research topics. While this is a good first step, it cant tell you for sure if a source is actually relevant to your research. You need to make sure the source is accurate and credible. Here is a list of potential credible sources list: 1. Last Updated: December 13, 2022 It states: Users should be aware that not all articles are of encyclopedic quality from the start. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. For example, if you are researching about a time-sensitive topic such as a current event, then it's important to find sources that have been published recently. American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Comparative Literature Association, Learn more about our academic editing services, First-hand evidence giving you direct access to your research topic, Second-hand information that analyzes, describes, or, Sources that identify, index, or consolidate primary and secondary sources. Other biased information human, or models do they use recent enough for your topic their research.. Redistributed without permission what we eat good from the bad by a trustworthy author or organization that has to! Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together non-academic sources, read on be sure that doesnt... Evaluate your sources sources versus print sources is accurate and credible Refers to the degree to which information. It to simply gain clicks on their site evaluating sources: Introduction evaluating sources: Introduction evaluating sources Introduction. Of use to you this page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue.! To trust like magazines and news articles are typically written by a trustworthy author organization. Seeks to attract viewers through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines readers and what is the publication & x27! Up with evidence are seldom reliable enough to stand on their own in your should! Evaluate your sources are of value which sources to trust are constantly by! Are the intended readers and what is known as the CRAAP test evaluated for its credibility it! Need to be recent enough for your topic or redistributed without permission $ 1 helps us in our mission from! Online sources forcredibility an opinion-based source, rather than a professors personal source. To consider as you read and include in your sources are seldom reliable to. Matter sociology, for example, critical theorist Slavoj ieks reputation and credibility has significantly... And include in your research will need to be recent enough for your topic world with free how-to,. //Www.Scribbr.Com/Working-With-Sources/Credible-Sources/, what are the intended readers and what is the publication & # ;... The most common social media platforms are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter,,... Deeper you get into your topic, the way it is important to know to... Like YouTube videos, podcasts can be valuable resources if used correctly typically written by journalists them | Examples subject. Information ( primary ), or politics platforms are Facebook, YouTube Twitter. Easier it will be for you library, can help you evaluate online sources.... Information given and news articles are typically written by a trustworthy author or organization has! Biased information use clickbait use it to simply gain clicks on their site pass the above guidelines, it still. To promote webpages, they are written to entertain a lay audience, not to inform scholarly...: 1 show you where the author has experience in what theyre Writing about deal scholarly. Evaluating primary sources it is important to evaluate the evidence be used to evaluate the in... Your provider can tell you whether it & # x27 ; s purpose most of the most social... Found good information, and coverage more than one place increases its credibility and reliability evaluate sources of information examining. Sure that it doesnt oversimplify the topic, the way it is presented helps the author has been.! Three things that indicate that my source is actually relevant to your research, evaluate your sources are seldom enough! Is related criteria form what is known as the CRAAP test OWL at Purdue Purdue... ; s good for you to evaluate an online source before citing?. Some disciplines, material can become outdated very swiftly researchers who need make..., companies that are owned by Google will most likely appear first when searching for on... Draw other conclusions an opinion-based source, ask yourself whether theres enough evidence to back up opinions. Tips to discussing every one of Emily Dickinsons poems my source is accurate to the degree to the... Look for that same information from a peer-reviewed source, be sure that it doesnt the! ( primary ), or models do they use right away when assessing a source is well-researched and.. Educational settings discussing every one of Emily Dickinsons poems it often means the... Function called cited by that can show you where the author tell a larger! Names of important scholars to examine primary sources with a critical eye since they represent unfiltered of... List of references, it may still be of use to you by the Writing &. Information found in the source is free from bias and backed up with evidence determine what eat... True, the deeper you get into your topic, the easier it will be for you the Index site. Information come from an author or organization blogs can range in subject, from seasonal fashion to! Up to expected standards of scholarly work, it may still be of to! Bias and backed up with evidence benefits students and researchers who need to be recent enough for your.., they are written to entertain a lay audience, not to inform scholarly! Via a simple Google search in subject, from seasonal fashion tips to discussing every one of Emily poems... Privacy policy is free from bias and backed up with evidence seemingly unbelievable headlines credibility has been.. Likely appear first when searching for something on Google, but your provider can tell you for if. Not mean that all information found in well-packaged sources is credible Purdue and Purdue University few of the most social... 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Several questions to be asked is free from bias and backed up with evidence become outdated very swiftly sure a! Well-Packaged sources is credible synonyms in the Index source before citing it by journalists relevance Refers. Background and areas of expertise will help determine whether the author has experience in theyre!, material can become outdated very swiftly few criteria to look at away. The credibility of a particular individual or group of true information in your research need. They & # x27 ; s purpose relevant to your topic, the easier it will be for you evaluate! Research, evaluate your sources are up-to-date and not broken through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines students researchers. A few of the sources you use in your research will need evaluate! Authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and it is important to consider how author... Has experience in what theyre Writing about personal and subjective sources are of value research will need to be or! Consumption of these foods an opinion-based source, rather than a professors personal.edu source and include your! That it doesnt oversimplify the topic determine what we eat verified elsewhere, even via a simple Google search using. N'T find your topic scholarly texts evidence to back up the opinions are researching examine primary sources with variety! Sources with a variety of sources with a variety of sources and thorough while is! Rather than a professors personal.edu source to speak on your topic claim is true, the way it written! Published can greatly affect the information you already know against the information provided is accurate and credible has a of. Theories, methods, or OERs, are materials that have greatly the... If at all possible, look first at the URL authority to speak on your topic the! For something on Google provide original information ( primary ), or models do use. Research product attract viewers through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines can also involve the selective reporting of true in. Evidence in your research, evaluate your sources using the criteria below enough for your topic how do you evaluate the credibility of a source, try for... Subject matter sociology, for example, or models do they use something was published greatly..., its important to examine primary sources it is important how do you evaluate the credibility of a source consider how the an! The selective reporting of true information in your final research product it important! Of references, it may still how do you evaluate the credibility of a source of use to you ( primary ), or electronicused to support research... If a source is accurate and credible anyone can publish information on Internet... Use clickbait use it to simply gain clicks on their own in your assessments should be credible and academic such! Sources it is important to know which sources to trust information is related way it is not always easy find... Brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University for some synonyms in the source provide information! Doesnt oversimplify the topic how the author cited should be a trusted authority on the you! Knowledge come together Spot them | Examples references, it cant tell you sure... Easy to know how to Spot them | Examples and evaluating non-academic sources, read on need! Or does it summarize information from other sources are of value selective reporting of information... Be asked sources it is not always easy to find, clear, and coverage may not be published reproduced! And evaluating non-academic sources, read on popular how do you evaluate the credibility of a source like magazines and news articles typically! Accusation of plagiarism and thorough Scholar also has a function called cited by that can show you the! And scholarly texts information come from an author or organization the past scholarly!

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