Consider your experiences with finding and assessing sources. In particular, using a personal experience as an example, discuss whether and to what extent one of the strategies in this section for evaluating sources has been or would have been helpful. Then, share your thoughts on the discussion forum. Make sure to review and respond to other students' posts, as well.
Discussion: Finding and Assessing Sources
I totally agree. Relying on peer-reviewed articles are much safer.
For example, when I was writing a research paper on climate change, I came across a study that made bold claims about the impact of deforestation on global warming. Initially, the study seemed credible, with well-presented data and convincing arguments. However, I decided to cross-reference the findings with other reputable sources to ensure their accuracy and reliability.
By consulting peer-reviewed articles, reports from reputable organizations like NASA and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and expert opinions from climate scientists, I was able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Through this process, I discovered that while the study I initially encountered had some valid points, its conclusions were overstated and lacked sufficient evidence to support its claims.
This experience highlighted the importance of cross-referencing information from multiple sources to validate the credibility and accuracy of a source. It also taught me to critically evaluate the methodology, evidence, and expertise behind each source to discern fact from opinion and ensure the integrity of my research.
periodical journals on specific issue for paper.
It is useful for me because the reports that are.found in are not biased to me. The credibility that I have invested into the sources are of trust.
Knowing the peer-review process as described in those videos is very helpful. I knew it was rigorous, but didn't realize the rejection rate of articles to a journal. I don't know that it's a perfect system, but it is working well and keeps out a ton of simply terrible material. It is wonderful to be able to rely on our institutions to produce cutting-edge, important scholarly work.
To my surprise, upon further investigation, I discovered that the article was published on a website known for promoting biased and unreliable information. Had I not cross-referenced the information, I might have unknowingly included inaccurate data in my paper, which could have negatively impacted my academic credibility.
This experience taught me the importance of verifying information from multiple reputable sources before accepting it as accurate. It also highlighted the significance of critically evaluating the credibility of each source, considering factors such as author expertise, publication date, and potential biases.
In the discussion forum, I would share this experience to emphasize the importance of cross-referencing sources in research. I would encourage fellow students to adopt this strategy to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the information they use in their academic work. Additionally, I would be interested in hearing about other students' experiences with finding and assessing sources and learning from their strategies and insights. Engaging in discussions like these allows us to collectively improve our research skills and produce higher-quality work.
Re: Discussion: Finding and Assessing Sources
Good point! Using sources such as .org or .edu is helpful for me as well.
Working in education, peer-reviewed information sources is critical in offering students accurate and reliable lesson material.
First, currency—determining the timeliness of the information by checking its publication or update date. The relevance of a source to your research question is another key consideration, ensuring it directly addresses your needs. Authority is then assessed by evaluating the credibility of the author or publisher, considering their expertise and reputation. Accuracy involves scrutinizing the reliability and truthfulness of the information, ensuring it is supported by credible evidence and free from bias. Finally, purpose is examined to understand any potential bias or motivations behind the source's creation.
The CRAAP Test offers a structured method for assessing sources, aiding researchers in making informed decisions about their credibility and relevance. Through this systematic evaluation, individuals can better discern the quality of sources and avoid reliance on unreliable or biased information.
In my own experience, applying the CRAAP Test has proven invaluable in selecting sources for research papers or projects. This approach helps me avoid using sources that, while initially credible, may lack authority, accuracy, or relevance upon closer examination. By employing this strategy, I save time and effort, ensuring that the sources I utilize are reliable, trustworthy, and directly contribute to the strength of my arguments or analyses.
Re: Discussion: Finding and Assessing Sources
Thank you for sharing your experience.
The CRAAP test is certainly an excellent strategy for evaluating sources; thanks for pointing that out.
It seems to be more thorough than the ADAM approach, as it includes a purpose test, which the latter lacks.
Regards,
Vinicius
Personally I would not use social media as any kind of source. Up to date news can be found on any reputable news' website. It has become increasingly easier to create accounts masquerading as authorities these days.
I am a huge fan of Wikipedia as a starting point. While it is hard to keep bias out of the articles, the bibliographies can be invaluable. They can lead to many great sources I would not have thought to seek out.
Re: Discussion: Finding and Assessing Sources
That's why I usually look more down toward and always always think twice even when I see something I agree with.
Confirmation bias is so real.
Your observations about online searches completely resonate with me. It's frustrating when the top results seem to be more about advertising than actual relevance. And you're spot on about confirmation bias creeping in through search results tailored to our location or past behaviors.
I have used a few of the sources mentioned to write an essay. Fortunately, I was lucky to gain access to peer-reviewed journal articles through my local library. This allowed me to research multiple sites in sifting out the articles I found bias. So, if you’d like to save yourself some money and even time; sign-up for a library card to utilize their resources for free. Good luck.
Already being using scholarly articles but this chapter made me aware of more useful articles search
In my recent research project on the effects of social media on mental health, encountered a variety of sources that ranged from academic articles to personal blogs. One strategy that proved incredibly helpful in evaluating these sources was the emphasis on utilizing peer-reviewed literature.
During my search, I came across an article on a popular health blog that discussed the correlation between excessive social media use and anxiety. While the blog post was engaging and had a lot of anecdotal evidence, I knew I needed to find more reliable data to support my arguments. This is where the emphasis on peer-reviewed sources came into play. When I shifted my focus to finding peer-reviewed articles through databases like JSTOR, I found several studies conducted by researchers in psychology and sociology. These articles provided empirical data, rigorous methodologies, and had undergone scrutiny by experts in the field. For instance, one study analyzed social media usage patterns among adolescents and their reported levels of anxiety and depression. This kind of evidence was crucial for substantiating my thesis. Additionally, reviewing these peer-reviewed articles allowed me to assess the strengths and limitations of the research. The studies often included discussions about sample sizes, potential biases, and areas for further research, which helped me understand the broader context of the topic.
In conclusion, the strategy of prioritizing peer-reviewed sources not only enhanced the credibility of my work but also enriched my understanding of the subject matter. It taught me the importance of relying on thoroughly vetted information, especially when addressing complex issues like mental health.
One effective strategy for evaluating sources is checking the author’s credibility. In a past project, I encountered conflicting information and found that authors with relevant expertise offered more reliable insights. This approach helps filter out misinformation and ensures you’re relying on trustworthy sources, improving the quality of your research.