PAARC -How to Evaluate Sources.docx



Evaluating Sources Can Be a Walk in the PAARC When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it. But is it accurate and reliable? You will have to determine this for yourself, and the PAARC Test can help. This list of questions does not necessarily include everything you will need to know. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.Directions: Use your research questions to search for two sources about your topic. Review the sources. Use the PAARC Test questions for each of the sources and decide whether or not these sources are credible. Purpose: The reason the information exists.What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade? Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________ Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________ Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content. Where does the information come from?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Is the information supported by evidence?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Has the information been reviewed or refereed?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:_____________________________________________________ Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Are there obvious errors (spelling, grammar, etc.)?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________ Authority: The source of the information.Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given? If yes, what are they?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________ Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Relevance: The importance of the information for your needsDoes the information relate to your topic or answer your question?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________ Who is the intended audience?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________ Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use? Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Currency: The timeliness of the information When was the information published or posted?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________ Has the information been revised or updated?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Are the links functional?Source 1: ______________________________________________________Source 2:______________________________________________________Was this search a walk in the PAARC?Did Source 1 pass the PAARC Test? Explain.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Did Source 2 pass the PAARC Test? Explain.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________NEXT STEP:What do you do with a source that is credible?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What do you do with a source that is not credible?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Scholarly Journals, Professional and Trade Publications, and Popular Magazines Distinguishing Between Types of Publications Scholarly JournalsProfessional/Trade PublicationsPopular/General Interest MagazinesPurposeReport original research or theories to advance knowledgeProvide practical information for members of a profession, industry, or organization: news, trends, products, research summariesProvide information, news, opinions, entertainment to the general publicWriting StyleUses specialized vocabulary or jargon. Requires prior training or subject expertise to understand.Uses specialized vocabulary or jargon. Requires prior training or subject expertise to understand.Uses vocabulary understood by the general public, including those with an upper elementary educationReferences / BibliographyDocumentation of sources, quotes, facts, and ideas is required. Must be cited in footnotes or a bibliography.Documentation of sources not required, though there are sometimes brief bibliographies of further readingsDocumentation of sources is not required and is rareAdvertisementsFew, if any, advertisementsModerate number of advertisements targeted to the interests of the members of a profession, industry, or organizationLarge number of advertisements for a wide variety of products that appeal to the diverse needs of the general populationAuthorsScholars or researchers. Academic credentials, degrees, and/or affiliation are almost always provided.Journalists or members of the profession, industry, or organizationJournalists ................
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