Wiki Page, GOTT Clover II: Evaluate (2 of 5): Why Evaluate Sources?

Wiki Page
2016-08-14T21:35:35-06:00

In Module 2, we talked about accessing and information using sources. Before you can use a source by including the information or ideas and citing the author in your work, you first need to evaluate the source.

Evaluating sources is the process of examining, analyzing, and judging whether or not you should use the source, and if so how. In other words, evaluation is about making decisions, which is something you've already been doing in the previous modules.

In Module 1: Identify, you evaluated your research question and topic to determine whether or not it was an appropriate scope, and evaluated source types according to whether or not they would address your question.

In Module 2: Access and Use, you evaluated your search strategies and determined which search tool you should use to find information, and what keywords and limiters would yield the best results.

Now, it's time to go one step further and really examine the sources you've found.

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In academic work, the information, sources, and ideas you reference matter. They should be both relevant to your argument and credible.

First and foremost, because using appropriate sources makes you a more credible author! Your opinion matters, but credible information that supports your claims will strengthen your academic voice. You wouldn't want to include outdated or incorrect information.

Using credible sources also connects you to a conversation of like-minded and opposing opinions around your particular topic. Referencing previous authors with related opinions means that people who read your work can see the conversation and contribute as well!