Why do we evaluate sources?

One of the most important aspects of finding sources for your assignments is evaluating them within the context of what you are using them for. There are lots of different ways to think about evaluating sources, and there is no one right way to do it.

Every source you review and select for your work should be evaluated for the context of the assignment and what information you need. Evaluating a source depends heavily on what you are going to be using that source of information for, what your assignment or instructor has asked you to use, the currency of information, and more.

The most important thing to remember here is that you already have the skills to do this! You evaluate information in your life every day.

This module is about how to take some of those existing skills and apply them to the academic context.

Activity

Take a moment to think about this scenario.
You have heard that many Indigenous languages are disappearing, and are interested in learning about local efforts to revitalize them. You find the following video.

What criteria would you set for yourself when reviewing this video to decide if you think it's a good source to help you find out more information? Basically, how would you evaluate this source?

(Need the worksheet? Evaluating sources worksheet)

Video: This Week in History - Season 8 Episode 5: Language Revitalization

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