R.1 Lesson: Evaluating Sources

Why might a published source you find in your research might be unhelpful to you?

- Some sources such as editorials, blogs, advertisements or commercial websites may be written by someone who wants to persuade you but is not an expert - Some sources may be out of date and contain information that is no longer relevant - Some sources may address your subject but not your topic

Which of the following should be used to evaluate a source? (Select all that apply.)

- The information is related to your topic - The information is written at the right level for your audience - The information is up-to-date - The information is balanced and fair

You're researching the reasons for the building of the Panama Canal in the late nineteenth century. Which source should you use?

A 1901 opinion piece about building the canal, from the New York Times online archive

You're doing research for a presentation comparing electric cars to gasoline-powered cars. Which source should you use?

A blog post by a car designer who has driven both kinds of cars

You're doing research on the effects of sunlight deprivation on teens during the winter months. Which source should you use?

A recent Science Times article about successful treatments for seasonal mood disorders

You're researching the career of a retired ballet dancer. Which source should you use?

A video of a speech given by the retired dancer, published on YouTube in 2005

You're doing research for a report about the sport of Olympic fencing. Which source should you use?

An interview with a former Olympic fencer, published in a sports magazine in 1985