ABCD's of Evaluating Sources
A = Author
- Are the authors experts on the topic?
- Also, think about the publisher or source. Have you heard of it before?
B = Bias
- What is the purpose of this information… to inform, teach, persuade, or sell?
- Is there a reason why the author published this information?
C = Content
- Is the information about your topic or something else? Does the information match your understanding of the topic?
- Compare the content to those of other related articles. Do not rely on only one source!
D = Date
- When was the information was published or updated? Has the information become outdated?
- Also, look at the date of the reference list provided. Are those sources too old?
Citing Sources
Whenever you borrow someone's work for a research project, you must give credit to the author or artist. If not, it's plagiarism. Remember to list the name of the work, the author, and when the work was published.
Play Mix-n-Mash by Common Sense Education to practice giving credit to the author's work.
How to Know When to Cite:
Learn More!
What's Your Source? by Call Number: J 808.042 JENNINGSISBN: 9781543502206Publication Date: 2018-01-01What exactly is a primary source? How does it compare to other types of sources? Emerging readers need to know the difference. Readers will also be introduced to the concept of plagiarism, how to choose sources for their writing and reports, checking source dates and accuracy, and more. Straightforward, neutral text and vivid photographs provide readers with the tools they need to learn about types of sources, including primary sources, how sources connect to media literacy, and understanding ownership of work.
Just the Facts by Call Number: J 372.13 LOEWENISBN: 9781404855199Publication Date: 2009-07-01Ready to build a research report? First, you'll need the right tools. Open this title in the Writer's Toolbox series and discover plenty of tips and tools to get you started. Soon you'll be collecting and organizing facts like a pro!
