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BVHS Learning Commons
Evaluating Sources for Credibility
I can evaluate a source for its credibility based on my specific research task.
I can choose web sources that are appropriate to my research task.
Learning Targets:
Research: “a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover information or reach a new understanding.”
Source Credibility: ”the degree to which people believe and trust what other people and organizations tell them about a particular product or service”
Validity: “able to be accepted”
Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Retrieved from http://dictionary.cambridge.org.
Useful Definitions:
Who?What?When?Where?Why?
The 5 W’s of Evaluation
Who is the author/creator/sponsor? Are author's credentials listed?
Does the author have a reputation?
Has the author published works in traditional formats?
Is the author/webpage affiliated with an organization?
What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything? Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net
WHO?
Are possible biases clearly stated?
Is advertising content vs. informational content easily distinguishable?
Are editorials clearly labeled?
Is the purpose to: inform? teach? entertain? enlighten? sell? persuade?
WHAT?
If relevant, when was the information gathered?
When was it posted?
When was it last revised?
Are links functional and up-to-date?
Is there evidence of newly added information or links?
WHEN?
Where does the author get his/her information?
Is there a bibliography?
Where can I find the author’s sources?
WHERE?
Why is this information relevant for my research task?
What is the depth and breadth of the information presented?
Could you find the same or better information in another source?
Does the site provide the information you need?
Your overall assessment is important. Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
WHY?
• Web address contains words unrelated to what you are studying
• The site is an “answer engine” (i.e. Yahoo answers, Ask.com, etc.). If is it, change your search term so that it is not a question.
• Your source is a blog.
• Contains inflammatory language or absolutes.
• Has not been updated in six months.
• Contains spelling or grammatical errors.
• Has ads, popups, subscriptions, or charges you for information.
• Is on Wikipedia. Wikipedia is a great place to start; use the sources at the bottom of the page for more information.
Reliability Red Flags
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2013/07/15/dark-side-green-growth
