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Finding and Evaluating Sources WorkshopPart A. Finding SourcesMost – and perhaps all – of the sources you will use to complete your research will be on-line sources. Thus, in general, you should have no problem finding sources on your controversial policy. For example, a quick google search of “death penalty” turns up more than 8 million hits! The key challenge you will face is not just finding sources, but finding sources that are readable, reliable and relevant. A few good places to start include….Articles in On-Line Magazines (, )Articles in On-Line Newspapers (, , bostonglobe) Articles from Organizations That Specialize in Your Topic – such as the American Association for Affirmative Action (), Death Penalty Information Center ()In addition to a google search, you might also go to the Wikipedia entry for your policy. Although you cannot use the content of the Wikipedia entry as evidence, at the bottom of the entry will be a long list of sources that may be useful. Part B. Evaluating SourcesAnyone can post information on the internet – thus, not all internet sources are reliable. In order for you to use an article in your research, an article must meet two basic criteria: The Author/Organization is an Expert -- The author or organization that created the web-site is an expert if he/she/it is (or is affiliated with):A major news organization (ex. New York Times, Time Magazine)Research Institution or Organization that Specializes in Your Topic (ex. Death Penalty Information Center)College or University (ex. Professor at University of Illinois or Amherst College). This means that the following sources are not trustworthy: Wikipedia, , Most blogs (unless the author is a recognized expert) The Article is Up to Date – Because laws and facts about your controversial policies change very quickly, you should use articles written since 2000. There may be a few exceptions to this rule – but please check in with me before breaking this rule.Is Your Article Neutral or One-Sided? In addition to the two criteria listed above – expert and timing – you should also pay attention to the overall perspective of your article. Some authors and organizations aim to provide a neutral overview of a debate. But others may be biased and present evidence mainly or only from one side of that debate. You are allowed to use both types of articles. However you must write down the perspective of your article on your evaluation form. In addition, be aware that if you use evidence from a biased source during the debate, your opponents may challenge that evidence. Note: Although sometimes you may be able to identify a source’s perspective from its title, usually you will need to read the article to identify that perspective. Sample Source Evaluation Form Title of Article: ________________________________________________________________Author: _______________________________________________________________________Source/Organization: ____________________________________________________________URL: ________________________________________________________________________I know that the author/organization is an expert because_________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________I know the source is up to date because______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________The overall perspective/tone of this article is (Circle One): YES NO NEUTRAL ................
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