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Citing Resources  Tags: citing citations citing_sources plagiarism apa mla turabian writing_style writing  

Learn about how to cite the sources that you use in your work, and where to learn more about citing sources.
Last update: Nov 21st, 2009 URL: http://guides.boisestate.edu/citingsources  Print Guide  RSS Updates

Evaluating Resources             Print Page
  
 

Evaluating Your Sources

How can you tell if your resources, web or otherwise, is an authoritative source? Use these tips to find out.

Check for bias

  • Does the author or publisher have political leanings or religious views that could affect objectivity?
  • Is the author or publisher associated with a special-interest group, such as Greenpeace or the National Rifle Association, that might promote one side of an issue?
  • Are alternative views presented and addressed? How fairly does the author treat opposing views?
  • Does the author’s language show signs of bias?

From dianehacker.com

Is my web site authoritative?

  • Dissect the URL

The URL can tell you who published the web site. This guide by Beth Brin can help you determine the authority of a web site based on the URL. http://library.boisestate.edu/Reference/BBRIN/url.htm

  • Find the author
  • What is the purpose of the web site?
  • Is there a company sponsor?
  • Is the web site current?

Links for More Information

Evaluating Internet Research Sources by Robert Harris  http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm This site has tips on evaluating resources including this helpful checklist:

Summary of The CARS Checklist for Research Source Evaluation
 

Credibility
 trustworthy source, author’s credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support. Goal: an authoritative source, a source that supplies some good evidence that allows you to trust it.
Accuracy
 up to date, factual, detailed, exact, comprehensive, audience and purpose reflect intentions of completeness and accuracy. Goal: a source that is correct today (not yesterday), a source that gives the whole truth.
Reasonableness
 fair, balanced, objective, reasoned, no conflict of interest, absence of fallacies or slanted tone. Goal: a source that engages the subject thoughtfully and reasonably, concerned with the truth.
Support
 listed sources, contact information, available corroboration, claims supported, documentation supplied. Goal: a source that provides convincing evidence for the claims made, a source you can triangulate (find at least two other sources that support it). 

 

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