Week 5 Source Evaluation Worksheet: First Read The Notes

Week 5 Source Evaluation Worksheetfirst Read The Notes That Begin On P

First read the notes that begin on p. 2 of this handout and the table on p. 3. Then, complete the analysis for each of your sources. 1. Using APA format, identify the source and write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. 2. Use the following criteria to evaluate each source: a. How current is this the source you are using? (If not current – explain why information is still applicable) b. How authoritative, credible, reliable? (For example: recognized expert; peer-reviewed journal; trusted site such as .edu, .gov, .mil; experienced and knowledgeable in the field; information consistent across several sources, etc.) c. Briefly state specifically how this source provides evidence that strongly supports your conclusion. For example, “the article discusses significant evidence that this diet provides all essential nutrients and supports my view that the diet is healthy”—this study shows that this diet is deficient in vitamin D and supports my point that this diet is not healthy—this survey revealed that obesity is on a rapid rise among all demographic groups and supports my view that obesity is epidemic—this survey revealed that obesity is on a rapid rise among all demographic groups and supports my view that obesity is epidemic. d. If the information is “popular” or from a blog, from a marketing site, or is persuasive in nature (i.e., an editorial or opinion piece, or a publication of a special interest group such as a trade organization, union, etc.) explain why you are using the source and why you cannot use a more substantive or scholarly source. Evaluating Sources – Notes 1. Rate your journal and periodical sources (whether you are looking at hard copy or on-line) as scholarly, substantive or popular. The Table “Distinguishing between Scholarly and Non-scholarly Periodicals” will work for evaluating either print or on-line journals, newspapers, and periodicals. 2. Beware of bias in any specific article. Determine if the source is authoritative, credible, reliable and current and unbiased. (If not current, then information can be rated “valid, regardless of age,” —i.e., a 1999 web-based article on the American Civil War is not “current”, but can be “valid regardless of age.”) All sources should be authoritative, credible, reliable and unbiased. If bias is found, state if bias may or may not affect the credibility and reliability of the information you will use and how you will compensate for possible bias. 3. For websites, generally speaking, .gov and .mil sites are acceptable sources in academic papers. Most .edu websites will be acceptable, but analyze under the criteria in 2 above. 4. If the website is a .com, .org or .biz website, you must further evaluate for authority, reliability and credibility. Never use a .com, .org or .biz site without evaluating across these criteria. Be especially careful about blogs – generally speaking, don’t use them. Many newspaper and magazines also publish to websites; evaluate those just as you would a journal or periodical. a. Authoritative · Who are the author(s)? · Are they recognized experts in their field? – check the column or google the author’s name? · What is the level of education of the author? Experience? Knowledge of the subject? · Is the information at a level appropriate to an upper-level academic paper? b. Credible · How does the information compare to other, similar information? Always look for more than one source – verify that all points of view are represented c. Reliable · Is it timely? · Does it come from a trusted source?

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this assignment is to develop an annotated bibliography and evaluate sources for a research paper, following structured guidelines for assessing credibility, authority, recency, and relevance. This process involves identifying scholarly and non-scholarly sources, analyzing their central themes, and justifying their inclusion based on their evidential support and reliability. Proper APA citation, comprehensive annotations, and critical source evaluations are required to ensure the credibility of the research foundation.

In constructing an effective annotated bibliography, one must first identify and cite each source accurately in APA format, then write a concise yet comprehensive annotation that summarizes the main theme, scope, and significance of the source. This summary should communicate the core contribution of the work to the research topic, highlighting how it supports or informs the research questions.

Evaluation criteria extend beyond recency to encompass authority, credibility, reliability, and potential bias. It's essential to establish whether the source is scholarly—such as peer-reviewed journals, academic books, or institutional reports—or popular, such as newspapers, blogs, or general websites. Scholarly sources are typically characterized by detailed methodology, extensive citations, and an objective tone, whereas popular sources tend to be more opinion-driven, less detailed, and aimed at general audiences.

For web sources, particular scrutiny is necessary. Government (.gov) and military (.mil) sites are generally considered credible, but academic institutions (.edu) should also be evaluated for expertise, with attention to author credentials and publication standards. Commercial (.com), organizational (.org), and business (.biz) sites need careful vetting, especially blogs and opinion sites, to assess their authority and potential bias. The goal is to select sources that are authoritative, accurate, current, and relevant to the research topic, and to note any biases that might influence credibility.

Overall, this process ensures that each source used in the final paper is credible, relevant, and supports the research thesis through valid evidence. It’s a critical step in scholarly research to build a trustworthy foundation of knowledge, ensuring proper attribution and critical assessment of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing an annotated bibliography and evaluating sources critically enhances the integrity and quality of scholarly research. Accurate citations using APA format ensure proper attribution and facilitate cross-referencing. Concise annotations summarize the thematic core and scope of sources, helping to situate each within the broader research framework. Critical evaluation considers timeliness, authority, credibility, reliability, and potential bias, ensuring that only trustworthy sources support the research.

Choosing scholarly sources, such as peer-reviewed articles, academic books, and institutional reports, provides robust evidence and comprehensive perspectives, whereas popular sources like news outlets or blogs may be less reliable but still valuable in understanding public perceptions or trends. The necessity of evaluation becomes especially critical when dealing with web-based sources, which vary considerably in quality and credibility. Government and educational sites are generally trustworthy, but commercial or organizational websites must be scrutinized carefully, assessing author expertise, publication standards, and potential biases.

This systematic approach to source evaluation ensures the integrity of the research process by filtering out sources that may contain bias, outdated information, or lack academic rigor. Ultimately, carefully selected and critically assessed sources strengthen the research findings and contribute to a well-founded scholarly work, supporting sound academic, scientific, or cultural inquiries.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Birkenstein, C., & DuBos, C. (2017). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (4th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
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• Wright, T. (2014). Researching Internet and Social Media. SAGE Publications.