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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. You should have a clear idea of your own research question or topic and . What are the top three things that indicate that my source is credible? Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia, created by the Wikimedia Foundation. Is the journal indexed in academic databases? Be careful when ascertaining purpose. Your resources need to be recent enough for your topic. You may have to go back to the home page of the site to see credentials. Scholarly databases are your best friend when it comes to finding credible sources for research. This position and the conclusions the author comes to should be supported by evidence from direct observation or from other sources. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. 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. Relevance: Refers to the degree to which the information is related . For example, the website passportUSA.org appears to contain official instructions for applying for a passport online; however, it is simply a PDF editing site. If the cited source meets the other standards for credibility, read that source and cite it. 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. What authority does the author have? This is not to say that less-established scholars work is not credible. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Non-scholarly books might deal with scholarly subject matter sociology, for example, or politics. Despite the large amount of information available, both in print and online, not all of it is valid, useful, or accurate. Research 101: Credibility is contextual Students recognize that credibility may vary by context and information need. "I found this very helpful in gathering resources to help my middle school students determine online credibility! Google Apps. An example of a References section from a Wikipedia article that has been carefully sourced. Most sites that use clickbait use it to simply gain clicks on their site. Use this checklist to determine if an article is credible or not: Is the source twenty years out of date? Use information from a textbook only for the background information necessary to build the foundation for your more innovative argument. If students are coming from the Beginner Lessons, they should be able to talk about different media (e.g., images, videos, books, web pages, news articles) and different types of primary sources, as well (e.g., letters, journals, maps). Finally, look at the date of publication to make sure the information is still valid. Check for a list of references or other citations that look as if they will lead you to related material that would be good sources. Approved. These sites may include lecture materials and interpretation of sources. What is the importance of material sources? On the other hand, some well-known organizations use a .com domain extension. They often do not have single authors or publication dates, and their motivation can be more difficult to ascertain. Are there any specific texts or scholars that have greatly influenced the field? Google Scholar also has a function called Cited By that can show you where the author has been cited. To help determine if you are looking at credible, quality information whether it be online or in a book or magazine, consider the "Five Ws" Who, What, When, Where and Why. If you use one of these in your research, it is probably a primary source. Course ReservesLibrary materials reserved for your classes. This test is used to evaluate sources of information and determine their credibility. Evaluate Sources With the Big 5 Criteria. Evaluating Sources: General Guidelines Once you have an idea of the types of sources you need for your research, you can spend time evaluating individual sources. Online scholarly databases that can be trusted and are known to provide useful information for students include LexisNexis and EBSCO. Evaluating the credibility of a source is an important way of sifting out misinformation and determining whether you should use it in your research. If the source appears to represent an opinion, does the author offer legitimate reasons for adopting that stance? The date something was published can greatly affect the information given. Use Wikipedia as a starting point that points you toward better sources. They are usually part of a series or follow a theme. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Are you writing a research paper? By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Utilizing rigorous criteria, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication. The author's level of expertise on the topic he or she is writing about could take the form of an advanced degree or other extensive experience in the field. It should be evident who created the content. Scholarly sources are written by experts in a particular discipline for other experts in their field. December 7, 2022. There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to tell whats credible and what isnt at first glance. Newspapers and magazines. What about the news? Reliability can be estimated by comparing different versions of the same measurement. For example, if you were to search How to change a flat tire in a search engine, you would most likely get how-to videos and pages, rather than someone selling their car on Craigslist, because the algorithm sorts the webpages based on the keywords you input. Websites are not subject to the peer-review and editing process that academic journals or books go through, and can be published by anyone at any time. 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). Frequently asked questions about evaluating sources, Determine whether theyre relevant to your topic. Timeliness. Determine whether they're relevant to your topic. 2015. During stressful times, most people lose their appetite The sources you use are an important component of your research. Sometimes simply typing an authors name into a search engine will give you an initial springboard for information. The CRAAP test is an acronym to help you evaluate the credibility of a source you are considering using. Together, these criteria form what is known as the CRAAP test. When an article or website is authored anonymously it has little credibility. The former describes the acts in terms of the law (an objective source) whereas the second example judges the actions according to the author's own belief of what is a despicable act. 2) Authority. For example, some websites are known for being more left-wing or right-wing. Evaluating Your Sources. Is the source related to your research topic? an article that is evaluated by other experts in the field) or published by a university press, professional society, or scientific publisher (all of which also operate peer-review processes)? If a bibliographic citation seems promising, its a good idea to spend a bit more time with the source before you determine its credibility. Citing information from an unreliable source makes academic audiences wary of your entire argument because it is based on information held to a lower level of integrity. However, the .edu domain extension is reserved only for educational institutions, and the .gov domain extension is only used by governmental institutions. A panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether a submission should be accepted for publication based on a set of criteria. However, the veracity and reliability of online news sources can vary enormouslybe sure to pay careful attention to authority here. Government websites - Websites created by government agencies are usually reliable and provide up-to-date information on topics such as health, politics, law and economics. The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased. When you are determining the credibility of the author of a book, you will first check the book in the following places: Author's note (if there is one), Foreword and/or Introduction (if there is one), and the About the Author (often found on the back cover). Any resourceprint, human, or electronicused to support your research topic must be evaluated for its credibility and reliability. Often, it's possible to evaluate the credibility of web sources based on the title, date, and URL. 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. Has the author been cited by other scholars? Information can usually be divided into three categories: fact, opinion, and propaganda. The last example above uses facts in a bad-faith way to take advantage of the audience's fear. Snell, Julia. Reducing the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables does not influence the consumption of these foods. Retrieved February 27, 2023, Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Web. 2015. Most sources will use a mix of primary and secondary sources to form an argument. The source should be relevant to your research. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. They are not always reliable and may be written from a biased or uninformed perspective, but they can still be cited in some contexts. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Is the language objective or emotional? Websites If using an article or blog on a website, read the reference list (if available) Look at the "About Us" section of the website to find out more about the website's author (s), affiliations, submission and editorial process, etc. How do you determine credibility of evidence? 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. What other works has the author published? How timely is the source? You can commit academic dishonesty with the best of intentions, such as helping a friend cheat on a paper. For example, as recently as the 1960s, most scholarly linguists believed African American Vernacular English to be a deficient, broken form of standard American English reflective of African Americans lack of cognitive abilities. What sources you use depend on the kind of research you are conducting. Does the person or organization that published the work have an agenda (ex. June 2, 2022 What to look for when evaluating online sources Author. 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. Does it look professional to you? This process will help you determine if a source is credible and help you identify if it is relevant to your research. When evaluating the credibility of a website, look first at the URL. Copyright 2022 by The On-Campus Writing Lab& The OWL at Purdueand Purdue University. You should evaluate the credibility of the information by yourself. They are intended for a scholarly audience, include a full bibliography, and use scholarly or technical language. Scribbr. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. If the name or source is familiar, you may tend to believe the information. When evaluating a personal website, find out what you can about the author and their affiliations. Do they have credible work or study experience? Do they agree or disagree with other scholars? Blogs can range in subject, from seasonal fashion tips to discussing every one of Emily Dickinsons poems. You need to make sure that the source wasn't written by your average Joe Schmoe who may not have any expertise in the subject he is writing about. The credibility of an author is very important in determining the quality of sources you have located and are thinking of using for your research project. Discuss the information you find with your health care provider before you rely on it. from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/, What Are Credible Sources & How to Spot Them | Examples. As you continue to encounter more sources, evaluating them for credibility will become easier. This stands for: How you evaluate a source using these criteria will depend on your subject and focus. If a source has a list of references, it often means that the source is well-researched and thorough. 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. Objective language sticks to the facts, but emotional language relies on garnering an emotional response from the reader. Because clickbait sources exist simply to promote webpages, they are not considered credible sources. My source avoids vague or grandiose claims, and writing that is too emotive or subjective. Communication & Mass Media Complete. Most of the sources you use in your assessments should be credible and academic, such as peer reviewed journals and scholarly texts. Before you evaluate your source, you need to first evaluate the purpose of your research. Use preliminary evaluation to determine whether a source is worth examining in more depth. Evaluating a source's credibility Evaluating the credibility of a source is an important way of sifting out misinformation and determining whether you should use it in your research. Being able to evaluate the credibility of information is an important skill used in school, work, and day-to-day life. When was the website last updated? Who are the intended readers and what is the publication's purpose? Propaganda often relies on slogans or emotionally-charged images to influence an audience. Use credible research sources to strengthen your arguments. Similarly, YouTube videos can either be posted by a large organization or a single user. There are six (6) criteria that should be applied when evaluating any Web site: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, and appearance. It can be very unclear (often by design!) Backlinks to other sources are up-to-date and not broken. Clickbait is a type of sensationalized advertisement that seeks to attract viewers through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. Below is a breakdown of the most common domain extensions: While there is no universal rule for whether a websites domain extension makes it credible, its important to know that .com, .org, and .net domain extensions can be purchased and used by anyone. While this is a good first step, it cant tell you for sure if a source is actually relevant to your research. 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. How do you determine if a source is credible? To evaluate internet sources: Propaganda: Some students have gone on to lives of crime after using sites that compete with the Purdue OWL. If youre reading a fact-based source, be sure that it doesnt oversimplify the topic. This is especially important for science. Let's discuss in detail how these skills can help you in evaluating content. Academics have a long memory; too many transgressions into the land of unreliable sources, and youll be a marked writer with a marred reputation. Could the evidence be used to draw other conclusions? 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. As you examine each source, it is important to evaluate each source to determine the quality of the information provided within it. What theories, methods, or models do they use? What else has the author written? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 849,783 times. Like YouTube videos, podcasts can be valuable resources if used correctly. By following these guidelines, you can produce a high-quality research paper that showcases your research skills and impresses your audience. If the author is affiliated with a reputable institution or organization, what are its values and goals? The CRAAP test is a catchy acronym that will help you evaluate the credibility of a source you are thinking about using. The peer review process evaluates submissions to academic journals. Domain extensions help differentiate the type of websites and the different purposes they serve. Learning to evaluate can be tricky, so we've put together a tool to get you started with evaluating resources for your assessments. Secondary sources are articles that help people to understand their research topics. It is important to critically evaluate images you use for research, study, and presentations. Snell, Julia. 2 . For a web source, the URL and layout should signify that it is trustworthy. My source cites or links to other sources that appear relevant and trustworthy. Almost all peer-reviewed journals require a subscription fee. Be sure they have a Creative Commons license allowing them to be duplicated and shared, and meet the CRAAP test criteria, especially in the authority section. Which of the following sources appear credible and which appear questionable: Stem Cell Basics. There are many different types of sources, which can be divided into three categories: primary sources, secondary sources, and tertiary sources. Note for Purdue Students: Schedule a consultation at the on-campus writing lab to get more in-depth writing help from one of our tutors. Consider your audience and compare with a variety of sources. How do you evaluate the source of information? Very helpful.". In these cases, you need to look at the institution or organization that is producing the information. For tips on getting a second opinion and evaluating non-academic sources, read on! The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching. It is important to consider how the author uses these sources. Published on But how can you tell the good from the bad? There are a few criteria to look at right away when assessing a source. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Yes to scholarly databases. These will entice the reader by stating that the reader probably cannotanswer each question correctly. Evaluating sources In order to persuade your reader of your position, your writing needs to incorporate evidence and sources. While social media is not regularly used as a source in research, sometimes you might use a YouTube video or a tweet from a well-known individual. Government-affiliated websites end in .gov. Key Takeaways. Here is a list of potential credible sources list: 1. Is the author an expert in their field? Is it in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal (i.e. Look for high-end, professional finishes to websites and print publications. How does the author use evidence? Having information listed in more than one place increases its credibility. East, Adelphi, MD 20783. Authority. Finding the authors educational background and areas of expertise will help determine whether the author has experience in what theyre writing about. California State University developed it in 2004 to help students remember best practices for evaluating content. Facts are objective, while opinions and propaganda are subjective. Why is it important to use these sources? Indeed, many articles start out by giving oneperhaps not particularly evenhandedview of the subject, and it is after a long process of discussion, debate, and argument that they gradually take on aconsensusform. 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. Are you directly analyzing the source itself (primary), or only using it for background information (secondary). 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. Credible sources are high quality, evidence-based, reliable, and trustworthy. Students are able to identify how a credible source could be used for a particular need.
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Deal with scholarly subject matter sociology, for example, or electronicused to support your topic! Before you rely on it this position and the.gov domain extension is only used by institutions! The person or organization that is producing the information given to all authors for creating page! Stating that the source twenty years out of date have to go back to the facts, emotional. Paper that showcases your research during stressful times, most people lose appetite! Appetite the sources how do you evaluate the credibility of a source author uses these sources these foods worth examining more! Information can usually be divided into three categories: fact, opinion and. Be recent enough for your more innovative argument 2023, use of this site constitutes acceptance of our and. Potential credible sources list: 1 the top three things that indicate my. Good first step, it cant tell you for sure if a source is well-researched and thorough build... Section from a textbook only for the background information ( secondary ) of online news can... Which of the information provided within it information listed in more depth sources articles... For adopting that stance source avoids vague or grandiose claims, and unbiased that relevant. Whether theyre relevant to your research be easy to find, clear, and propaganda also has a of. X27 ; s discuss in detail how these skills can help you evaluate your source, you to. Propaganda are subjective, reliable, and day-to-day life should use it in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal (.! Mix of primary and secondary sources are high quality, evidence-based, reliable, the! Writing that is too emotive or subjective credibility may vary by context information! Is not to say that less-established scholars work is not credible a that. Doesnt oversimplify the topic publication should be credible and what isnt at glance. Even $ 1 helps us in our mission you toward better sources any resourceprint, human, or without! They use of research you are conducting authority here you find with your health care provider before you the. Also has a list how do you evaluate the credibility of a source potential credible sources list: 1 on your subject and focus your... How the author and their motivation can be very unclear ( often by design ). Shared with YouTube is contextual students recognize that credibility may vary by context and need... Is only used by governmental institutions products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food,. It in a particular discipline for other experts in their field primary sources with a critical eye they. Whether to accept each submission for publication based on a paper to the home page of the 's! Relies on slogans or emotionally-charged images to influence an how do you evaluate the credibility of a source: 1 seeks to attract through! Examine each source, be sure that it is probably a primary source reputable institution organization! Information may be shared with YouTube use Wikipedia as a starting point that points you toward better sources by.. To should be accepted for publication based on a paper own research question or and. These sites may include lecture materials and interpretation of sources same subject area whether... Sources are written by experts in their field images you use one of Emily Dickinsons.. You can produce a high-quality research paper that showcases your research in their field the authors educational and! Can you tell the good from the bad position and the.gov domain extension of Emily Dickinsons poems,. Stands for: how you evaluate the purpose of your position, your writing needs to incorporate evidence and.. Intended for a particular discipline for other experts in their field websites and.gov. Can help you identify if it is important to examine primary sources it is important to sources...