Sample Instructional presentation on evaluating sources
1.
2. Source Evaluation Checklist
Who
Who is the target audience?
Who is the author/publisher?
What
What is the writing style?
When
How current is the information?
Where
Where did this source get its facts?
Why
Why is this source in existence?
How
How is this source relevant to the
subject?
7. Why
ProCon.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Our purpose is to
provide resources for critical thinking and to educate without bias.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context helps students research, analyze and
organize a broad variety of data for conducting research.
9. Remember This:
By successfully evaluating source materials for
credibility, you will be able to:
•
Avoid heavily biased or inaccurate information
•
Include a wide array of resources to support your
thesis
•
Cite reputable source materials to strengthen the
argument presented
10. Additional Resources
Ask a Librarian
Evaluate Your Sources LRC @ TCC
OWL at Purdue: Evaluation During Reading
TCC Writing Center
Evaluation ChecklistWho, What, When, Where, Why, How
Who. Who is the intended audience and who is listed as the author or publisher of this information? Can anyone add to this source or is the information restricted to certain authors?
What. What is the source’s writing style? Is the language professional or does it include slang? Is the information organized properly with subject and supporting details?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
When. When was the information published and what are the dates of the referenced information?http://www.nationalmssociety.org/http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Where. Where did the source get its information? Are there any citations? Do these references include any primary sources?http://www.leg.state.co.us/http://www.nytimes.com/
Why. What is the mission of this resource?http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/homehttp://procon.org
How. How is the source information relevant to the topic of arguments for legalizing marijuana?Generally, books just mentioning usage of the drug would not be relevant unless there was medical or legal information covered. Even so, a personal memoir can be seen as opinion rather than fact.
