Evaluating the Information Sources

(Consider the Rules, Roles, and Rituals of evaluating information sources)

Source 1
Title of Source Vision Shine
Purpose (why was it written?)
 To inform? Report? Share? Persuade? To inform, and Motivate
Entertain?
 Deepak Rajpal
 Deepak Rajpal is a Motivational
Author cum IT Professional, based in
Delhi – India. He has written over a
hundred articles since last few years.
Most of his articles and thoughts are
compiled from real-life examples and
Authors therefore, proves very productive.
 Who is/are the author(s)?  Deepak Rajpal, the author is studying
 What are their credentials? about different aspects of life for a
long time. He has read over 50 books
& attended several seminars related to
personal growth & relationships. In
addition to articles writing, he is now
ready to deliver some motivational
sessions in India (particular near
Delhi/Haryana).
Audience (who is it written for?)
 Scholars or researchers, professionals,
 Wide Audience.
generally educated audience, wide
audience
Timeliness
 March 29, 2014
 What is the date of this source?
 Yes, in order for us, the audience
 Does this date influence your use of
know when it was published.
the material?
Quality of Information/Credibility
 How is the source reviewed?
 The source is reviewed by the use of
 What is the appearance and format of
Accuracy.
the source?
 They use bold and italic format in
 How are graphics and/or multimedia
sources.
incorporated?
 They use visual elements in order for
 What terminology, jargon, and
the readers point particular
specialized language are used? information.
 Does this source provide you with  They use symbols for the motivational
high-quality, credible information? quotes.
 Does it update other sources?  Yes
 Clearly written & logically organized?  Yes
Correct grammar?
 Clearly written and Correct Grammar
 Cover the topic in depth, partially, or
 Cover the topic in depth
at a shallow level?
 They corroborate other materials
 Corroborate other materials or add
new information?
Accuracy (is source valid and well-
researched?)
 Are main points logically-argued and  Yes, they use bibliography.
supported by cited sources (e.g.
footnotes and/or bibliography)?
 Are the facts and arguments  No
corroborated by other readings you’ve
done on the topic?
Bias
 Who publishes the source? What are
their values?
 Only Deepak Rajpal who publishes
 Who is advertising on the source?
the sources.
What are their values?
 Swami Vivekananda
 Does the author exhibit a particular
 No
bias, or is the point of view objective
 No
and impartial?
 Does the author acknowledge a bias
and present other point of view?
Type of Resource
 Scholarly, Trade / Professional /
Scholarly, Popular & Sensational
Technical, Substantial News / General
Interest, Popular, Sensational
Relevance (applying the source)
 Is this source useful in any way to
your information needs?  Yes
 Why or why not?  This information can help people
 Does it support an argument? improve because it is motivational
 Does it show the other sides of an  Yes
issue?  No
 Give examples (surveys, stats, case  Surveys
studies, research findings)  Social
 Provide context for your topic
(historical, social, economic)