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UNIT 9

Evaluating Sources

Can I really trust this information?

Whenever you research a topic, it is quite possible, even likely, that you will find lots of information on it. In fact, the amount of available information on a topic can frequently be overwhelming.

This unit provides a process for weeding through it all so you use only the " best" for your work.

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 Directory 

  1. Weeding — An Introduction
    The steps in the process
    PART 1: Initial Appraisal

  1. Author's Credentials
    Is this person real?

  2. Year of Publication
    Is the information out of date?

  3. Edition
    For books and periodicals

  4. Publisher
    Is the publisher reputable?

  5. Type of Periodical
    Magazine or scholarly journal?
    PART 2: Content Analysis

  1. Intended Audience
    General or specialized?

  2. Objective Reasoning
    Information or propaganda?

  3. Writing Style
    Does it make sense?

  4. Evaluation or Reviews
    What do others think about this work?

  5. Evaluating Web Sources
    Special Considerations for Web sites

  6. Analyzing Sources
    Four tips for weeding as you go

  7. Exercise: Be B-A-D!
    Why are these sources of lower quality?