Evaluating Sources
Who is presenting it?
- is the author reputable, credible, or an expert
- has he/she published other works in the field
- is the publisher academic, special interest, or mass market
- is it independent or close with a political party/pressure group
What is being presented?
- is the account balanced and neutral or subjective and persuasive(not informative)
- is clear evidence provided to support any claims or arguments
- what is the personal/academic connection between the author and the material
When was it first presented?
- is the information still accurate and relevant
- is it a primary or secondary source
- is it a reprint or a revised/updated edition
- is older, is it considered a classic
- how important is currency of information to the topic
How is it presented?
- does the book have a serious, thoughtful appearance or is it designed to get attention than balanced discussion
- is there a table of contents, detailed index, bibliography/bibliographical notes
- are units and chapter titles reasonable in tone
- is the vocabulary of a high order or is it simplistic and overcharged with generalization
- is the source largely based on fact, opinion, or argument
Why is it being presented?
- what appears to be the purpose of the source
- is it intended to inform or to persuade; is there a commercial intent
- how much bias/subjectivity appear in the source; could it be considered propaganda
- are there any sponsors of the work
Bias
- predisposition or prejudice; limited view; one-sided position
Recognizing personal bias:
- make sure your point of view is fair and well-informed
- bias develops out of references: own life experiences and personal knowledge
- we should recognize out biases and don't be a prisoner of them...