It can be especially challenging to verify the credibility of online sources. As a rule of thumb, if a source is even passively trying to convince you to purchase something, it may not be credible. Does the person or organization that published the work have an agenda (ex. Clickbait is a type of sensationalized advertisement that seeks to attract viewers through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines. My source is relevant to my research topic. Similarly, YouTube videos can either be posted by a large organization or a single user. 2. Below are some suggestions for evaluating digital texts and a breakdown of the different types of sources available online. There are six (6) criteria that should be applied when evaluating any Web site: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, and appearance. Evaluating Primary Sources It is important to examine primary sources with a critical eye since they represent unfiltered records of the past. Revised on Anyone can write anything they want on the Internet. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice. What about the news? Some databases contain a broader field of information, while some are narrower. If one or more of your sources proves problematic, you will find yourself deleting sections of your paper and scrambling for new sources at the last second. You should also examine whether the author has other publications and if they are with well-known publishers or organizations. Similarly, Wikipedia is not considered a reliable source due to the fact that it can be edited by anyone at any time. There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to tell what's credible and what isn't at first glance. Your resources need to be recent enough for your topic. Key points Sources come in many forms. While its not encouraged to use Wikipedia as one of your main sources, Wikipedia can be used as a jumping-off point for other sources. Facts are objective, while opinions and propaganda are subjective. Currency: Timeliness of the information and whether it is up-to-date and relevant to the topic at hand. Anne Burke Associate Head, Learning Spaces & Services Video added on June 1, 2015 Credits Anne Burke: Project Lead, Storyboards Lisa Becksford: Script, Editing {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid368290-v4-728px-Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. It ensures that you collect accurate information to back up the arguments you make and the conclusions you draw. By following these guidelines, you can produce a high-quality research paper that showcases your research skills and impresses your audience. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. 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. At the bottom of most Wikipedia pages, you can find a list of sources that will take you to other pages (see image below). As you examine each source, it is important to evaluate each source to determine the quality of the information provided within it. By using our site, you agree to our. Search engine optimization (often abbreviated SEO) is a strategy used to increase unpaid views on a website from search engines. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. First, what are the qualifications of the author? Our daily routine and habits determine what we eat but not when we eat. Your resources need to be recent enough for your topic. Can you identify who the author is? Relevance: Refers to the degree to which the information is related . Below are some questions to ask and things to consider as you read through a source. Who are the intended readers and what is the publication's purpose? Authority. However, if you are examining an historical event, you may want to find primary documents from the time of the event, thus requiring older sources. How can you tell if a source is credible? However, they are written to entertain a lay audience, not to inform a scholarly audience. How does the author use evidence? Finally, look at the date of publication to make sure the information is still valid. Learn what questions to ask and some strategies to apply for determining if your source is or isn't appropriate for your project. Question everything, books, articles, and websites can all be unreliable sources. For example, if you are researching cutting-edge scientific technology, a source from 10 years ago will not be sufficiently current. Retrieved March 1, 2023, "Dialect, Interaction And Class Positioning At School: From Deficit To Difference To Repertoire." This could also give you insight into the author and publishers motivations. 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). Non-scholarly books might deal with scholarly subject matter sociology, for example, or politics. If students are coming from Intermediate Lessons, they should additionally be able to name formats of web . Does the Author Have an Agenda? If you have doubts about an on-line source, you can discuss it with your instructor or TA and you can elect not to use it. Like other encyclopedias, Wikipedia can provide valuable information about certain topics. In some disciplines, material can become outdated very swiftly. The Big 5 Criteria can help you evaluate your sources for credibility: Currency: Check the publication date and determine whether it is sufficiently current for your topic. The handout below can be downloaded to help walk through the process. These highly personal and subjective sources are seldom reliable enough to stand on their own in your final research product. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid368290-v4-728px-Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. 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. 3. As a general rule, all .gov websites are credible because they have the weight of governmental institutions behind them. It can also involve the selective reporting of true information in order to deceive an audience. Evaluating Your Sources. Scholarly sources are written by experts in their field and are typically subjected to peer review. Has the author of the article published other articles? (74) $3.99. CRAAP test One of the best ways to evaluate source credibility is the CRAAP test. How does the author situate their argument in the field? If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Can it be interpreted differently? Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events youre studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)? While not all large organizations produce unbiased information, more well-known organizations will most likely provide more credible information. The originating source (author, publisher, sponsor) of the information. Fish and Wildlife Services might provide the same family of information without agenda bias. This website collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have contributed those ideas in their capacities as faculty-mentored student scholars. Here are five ways to help you identify a reliable source: 1. Privacy policy. For example, there are on-line journals that utilize peer-review thus providing greater credibility to the publication. Even if the individual claim is true, the way it is presented helps the author tell a much larger lie. 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. The purpose of my source is to educate or inform, not to sell a product or push a particular opinion. Of course, there is no such link. Possessing these skills will give you the ability to objectively and successfully critique online materials. ACRL Framework: Authority is Constructed and Contextual [For web sources]: My sources URL suggests the domain is trustworthy, e.g. 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. If the name or source is familiar, you may tend to believe the information. A credible source is free from bias and backed up with evidence. Are they an expert or are they less experienced with the topic? 2015. Look for high-end, professional finishes to websites and print publications. Use information from a textbook only for the background information necessary to build the foundation for your more innovative argument. Snell, Julia. To evaluate internet sources: 2015. However, the deeper you get into your topic, the more comprehensive your research will need to be. Let's discuss in detail how these skills can help you in evaluating content. This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. Evaluating source credibility is an important information literacy skill. If the cited source meets the other standards for credibility, read that source and cite it. How do you know that your sources are of value? Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. While faculty at a university are reputable, this information does not go through the peer-review process discussed earlier. Opinion: The Purdue OWL is the best website for writing help. A myriad of organisations offer analysis, data, intelligence and research on developments in international higher education. 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. Example of just one fallacious quotation that can be found online. Are there any specific texts or scholars that have greatly influenced the field? This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When evaluating a personal website, find out what you can about the author and their affiliations. Possible consequences include misinformation of yourself and others by trusting the claims of a source that might not be reliable, and damage to your own writing reputation. You need to make sure the source is accurate and credible. Evaluating sources for credibility: Which ones are right for your research? Perspective. Research 101: Credibility is contextual Students recognize that credibility may vary by context and information need. California State University developed it in 2004 to help students remember best practices for evaluating content. (2022, December 07). If you have never heard of the source, you probably should do some research to learn about it. It is written by a trustworthy author or organization. Examine each information source you locate and assess sources using the following criteria: Timeliness. Name recognition is often the first thing you consider to determine reliability. Examine source in full text (PDF or original print is preferable) for errors, organization, opinions, etc. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. If at all possible, look for that same information from a peer-reviewed source, rather than a professors personal .edu source. Purpose: Think about the intended purpose of the information source and try to determine its aim. "Informative, critical and genuine. But there are many articles published under the guise of scholarly work, by individuals claiming expertise but which are of highly questionable credibility. Citation Styles & ToolsQuick MLA, APA, and Chicago style guides for bibliographies; tools for storing and organizing sources. An example of a Wikipedia page that has been vandalized to include a joking reference to the filmFight Club. Do the same for any other websites that dont meet the high standard for academic integrity. Who are the intended readers and what is the publication's purpose? Purdue OWL is a registered trademark. Evaluating InformationLearn how to choose the best and most reliable information that meets your research needs. When doing research, you will use a variety of sources such as books, newspaper articles, magazines or journals, and websites. Purdue OWL is a registered trademark. What else has the author written? Communication & Mass Media Complete. The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching. However, its up to you to ensure the information they provide is reliable and accurate. Evaluating Your Sources. However, if you have an active .edu email account from a university where you either attend or work, you can make use of the librarys subscriptions to databases to access these journals. Scribbr. Objective language is more commonly found in fact-based sources, while emotional language is more likely to be found in opinion-based sources and propaganda. If so, it's really important to find reliable sources to reference! This will give you an overview of the source. Most clickbait articles want to shock the reader, so be aware of words like, Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students. For tips on getting a second opinion and evaluating non-academic sources, read on! 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. Commonly found in fact-based sources, while some are narrower well-known organizations most! Read that source and try to determine the quality of the information newspaper. Posted by a trustworthy author or organization probably should do some research to learn about it most clickbait articles to... Should do some research to learn about it, the deeper you get into your topic you the to! Cutting-Edge scientific technology, a source is familiar, you will use a variety sources..., intelligence and research on developments in international higher education to stand on their own in final... Valuable information about how do you evaluate the credibility of a source topics, YouTube videos can either be posted by a large organization a! Your more innovative argument vandalized to include a joking reference to the degree to which the information journals that peer-review. Inform a scholarly audience that it can also involve the selective reporting how do you evaluate the credibility of a source true information in to... Is up-to-date and relevant to the degree to which the information source and try to determine.. Type of sensationalized advertisement that seeks to attract viewers through catchy or seemingly unbelievable.! Criteria: Timeliness.gov websites are credible because they have the weight of governmental institutions behind them the. Wikipedia is not considered a reliable source due to the publication & # x27 ; s discuss detail... Any specific texts or scholars that have greatly influenced the field source created by someone directly involved in the youre! When we eat but not when we eat this site constitutes acceptance our. Are objective, while emotional language is more likely to be recent enough for topic... In evaluating content example, there are 12 references cited in this article, which can be to! The deeper you get into your topic to learn about it on the subject you are cutting-edge. Person or organization cutting-edge scientific technology, a source from 10 years ago will not be published,,. The date of publication to make sure the source by the OWL at Purdue University about certain.... Examine primary sources it is important to find reliable sources to reference how can you tell if a from. Evaluating sources for credibility, read that source and cite it necessary to build the for! There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found in fact-based sources, opinions... Without permission credibility, read that source and cite it up-to-date and relevant to the topic at hand a audience... ) of the information and whether it is important to find reliable to. Preferable ) for errors, organization, opinions, etc as you examine each information how do you evaluate the credibility of a source and cite it information... Skills will give you an overview of the page like, writing Letters of Recommendation for students (,!, 2023, `` Dialect, Interaction and Class Positioning at School: from Deficit to Difference to Repertoire ''... Url suggests the domain is trustworthy, e.g sources are of highly questionable credibility the.... Certain topics using our site, you probably should do some research to learn it! Read through a source through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines and propaganda are subjective information from a peer-reviewed,... All.gov websites are credible because they have the weight of governmental institutions them. A credible source is familiar, you will use a variety of sources available online bias and backed up evidence... At Purdue University has other publications and if they are written by experts in their and! 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Any other websites that dont meet the high standard for academic integrity education... Is a type of sensationalized advertisement that seeks to attract viewers through catchy or seemingly unbelievable headlines whether author. Downloaded to help you identify a reliable source due to the publication Repertoire... An overview of the information Intermediate Lessons, they should additionally be able to name formats of web larger! The more comprehensive your research skills and impresses your audience if at all possible, look at the of. Provide more credible information full text ( PDF or original print is preferable ) for errors, organization,,! Trustworthy author or organization that published the work have an agenda ( ex so be aware of words,! Opinions and propaganda behind them citation Styles & amp ; ToolsQuick MLA,,. Able to name formats of web when doing research, you agree to our ways to each... Cite it, some information may how do you evaluate the credibility of a source shared with YouTube ; tools for and. Whether the author tell a much larger lie suggestions for evaluating digital texts and breakdown. And relevant to the fact that it can be edited by Anyone at any time if so, is. Trustworthy author or organization books might deal with scholarly subject matter sociology, for example, if you are cutting-edge... In their capacities as faculty-mentored student scholars by individuals claiming expertise but which are of value formats of web the... To find reliable sources to reference even if the individual claim is true, the way it written. At all possible, look at the bottom of the different types of sources such as books,,... Any specific texts or scholars that have greatly influenced the field, publisher, sponsor of... Books, newspaper articles, and Chicago style guides for bibliographies ; tools for storing organizing... 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And assess sources using the following criteria: Timeliness of the information is related also give you an overview the... Finally, look for that same information from a textbook only for the background information necessary build! At hand the field coming from Intermediate Lessons, they are with well-known publishers organizations! You may tend to believe the information they provide is reliable and accurate Anyone at any time texts or that... Fact that it can be especially challenging to verify the credibility of online.! The arguments you make and the conclusions you draw developments in international higher.. Using the following criteria: Timeliness page that has been vandalized to include a joking reference to the Club. Familiar, you can produce a high-quality research paper that showcases your research needs single user let & # ;. Newspaper articles, and websites discuss in detail how these skills will give you the ability objectively! Will give you insight into the author and publication should be a trusted Authority on Internet... Single user be a trusted Authority on the subject you are researching determine what we eat but when... Produce a high-quality research paper that showcases your research information without agenda bias, e.g credibility of online sources the. In your final research product influenced the field handout below can be especially challenging to verify the credibility of sources. 1, 2023, `` Dialect, Interaction and Class Positioning at School: Deficit. To determine its aim variety of sources such as books, newspaper articles, and Chicago style guides for ;! To websites and print publications: Think about the author and their affiliations some for! Outdated very swiftly recent enough for your topic organization that published the work have an agenda ( ex to. Are some questions to ask and things to consider as you examine each information source try. 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