Evaluating for credible, authoritative, reliable sources: Accuracy
"A" is also for accuracy
Accuracy refers to the trustworthiness of a source.
Common pitfalls
This source is the first one listed in the database/Google/catalog. Therefore, it must be the most accurate source for my needs!
Consider this:
Depending on which one of these tools you used to search for information, the results might be listed according to date, to the popularity of a source, because the source sponsors paid a fee, or any number of other factors. Just because something is first doesn't mean that it's the best result for your needs.
Additional sources
These open access materials go more in-depth into related issues, strategies, and importance of evaluating information and resources.
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"Evaluate: Assessing Your Research Process and Findings"This chapter was published in The Information Literacy User’s Guide: An Open, Online Textbook by Allison Hosier, et al, SUNY Albany, 2014. It includes sections on Distinguishing Between Information Resources, Choosing Materials, Identifying Key Points and Arguments, and Evaluating Resources in Practice.
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Chapter 06 - Web LiteracyThis chapter was published in The Research Process: Strategies for Undergraduate Students by Rebecca M. Marrall and Jenny K. Oleen, Western Washington University Libraries, 2016. In this chapter, you will be able to: Identify the concepts of web literacy; learn about Google and Wikipedia as research tools; and explore the Digital Divide phenomenon.
Questions to ask about the accuracy of a source
Ask yourself these questions when thinking about the accuracy of a source and its information:
- Is the information repeated anywhere else in your other sources?
- Does the source include references that clearly indicate where the author found his or her data?
How do I do this?
Your tasks:
- Review the source's references
- Double-check the information in other sources. Can the information be corroborated in any other source?
Remember the context!
Sometimes, the accuracy of a source will be very important.
Sometimes, the accuracy of a source will be very important.For instance, if you are writing a research paper about the effects of bullying on a child's self-esteem, it is important to use sources with accurate information in them.
Double-checking sources
You will want to review the source's references and double-check the information in other sources. Similarly, if you are surfing the internet for medical advice, you will want to double-check other sources to see if the information you find is accurate.
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