Evaluating Sources

August 2010 / C Yin

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EVALUATING SOURCES
Christina Yin
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August 2010 / C Yin
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Acknowledgements
Thanks to the Purdue Online Writing Lab
Contributors:
Dana Lynn Driscoll and
Allen Brizee
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The World is full of information

However, not all of it is valid, useful, or accurate.
Evaluating sources of information that we are
considering using in our writing or presentations
is an important step in any research activity.
Evaluating Sources
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Problems

Quantity of information is so vast,
we cant read it all
we cant know it all
Quality is so varied
we must try to decide which studies have produced
reliable results

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Information comes in many forms:
books
magazines
pamphlets
newspapers
journals
brochures
web sites and
various media reports

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People want to convince us to
buy their products
agree with their opinions
rely on their data
consider their perspective or
accept them as experts.
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Making Decisions
We have to sift and make decisions all the time,
and want to make responsible choices that we
won't regret.

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Evaluating sources
is an important skill.
Like detective work, you have to decide
where to look,
what clues to search for, and
what to accept.

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Dont
be overwhelmed with too much information or
too little.
accept whatever you find.
Learning how to evaluate effectively is a skill you
need both for your studies and your life.


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Whether writing research papers or
preparing oral presentations,
you will need to evaluate sources as you search
for information.
You will need to make decisions about
what to search for,
where to look, and
once you've found material on your topic, if it is a valid
or useful source for your writing or speech.


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Unacceptable sources
Blogs (unless by respected authorities)
Discussion forums (unless by known experts in
the field)
Personal websites
Unauthorised websites


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Wikipedia
How to use Wikipedia
It is useful as it gives a quick overview on a
topic.
However, you cannot use it as a source since
the authors are unknown.
You CAN go to the articles list of references and
read those from reliable sources; and use them
as your sources.
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Reliable Sources
News agencies like Reuters, AFP and AP
Newspapers like the New York Times, London
Times, The New Straits Times, The Star.
News magazines like Time, Newsweek, The
Economist
Media like the BBC, CNN and Bloomsberg
Respected academic journals and databases.
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Dont leave everything till the last minute!
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Plan your time wisely
A thorough search
for information
cannot be
achieved over
night.
Organise your
time well and
Be systematic in
your search.
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How to get help
Lecturers consultation
hours
Daily English
Language Clinic
2
nd
Floor G Block,
Room 214
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THANK YOU