Evaluating Sources

Is

the source reliable or unreliable? Why?

 Highly

prized concept in academia Refers to rigorous and competitive selection process by which scholarly manuscripts are chosen for publication Judged on rigor and accuracy of research and significance and value of argument

 Authority Objectivity Coverage

Accuracy
Currency

 Authority

Is

the document author or site sponsor clearly identified? Does the site identify the occupation, position, education, experience, or other credentials of the author? Does the home page or a clear link from the home page reveal the authors or sponsors motivation for establishing the site? Does the site provide contact information for the author or sponsor such as an email or organization address?

 Objectivity

Is

the sites purpose clear? Is the site explicit about declaring its point of view? Does the site indicate whether the author is affiliated with a specific organization, institution, or association? Does the site indicate whether it is directed toward a specific audience?

 Coverage

Are

the topics covered by the site clear? Does the site exhibit a suitable depth and comprehensiveness for its purpose? Is sufficient evidence provided to support the ideas and opinions presented?

 Accuracy

Are

the sources of information stated? Do the facts appear to be accurate? Can you verify this information by comparing this source with other sources in the field?

 Currency

Are

dates included in the Web site? Do the dates apply to the material itself, to its placement on the Web, or to the time the site was last revised and updated? Is the information current, or at least still relevant, for the sites purpose? For your purpose?

Who placed this piece on the Web and why? Each kind of website has a different purpose
.com

site Purpose is to promote the view of a corporation or business .org Nonprofit organizations or advocacy groups Purpose is To provide accurate, balanced information related to organizations mission work To promote political views To advocate a cause

Commercial

 .edu

with a college or university Purpose varies to include school promotion, strong advocacy on student issues, objective and scholarly research .gov or .mil Sponsored by a government agency or military unit Provide basic data about government policy, bills in Congress, economic forecasts, census data, etc. Purpose varies to include objective information or promotion of agencys agenda

Associated

 Is

the source reliable or unreliable? Why?

 What

is Google Scholar? Attempts to duplicate services of licensed databases Doesnt make public names of journals it indexes Unsure whether source is current or thorough Useful substitute for researchers who dont have access to online databases licensed by university libraries

 Index

articles appearing in thousands of periodicals Restricted to fee-paying customers Cant be accessed through web search engines
Academic Search Complete (Ebsco) LexisNexis JSTOR

 Complete

I-Connect

Go to http://www.ccac.edu/library/iconnect/default. htm Complete quizzes (there are 6) Print all results

Complete

AlleyCat activity

Tutorial worksheet available on Weebly Write answers or print completed worksheet