Evaluating Sources for Essay Writing

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Questions and Answers

What is one way to evaluate evidence when evaluating sources?

Determine which set of information has been duplicated with similar results (correct)

Count the number of sources saying the same thing

Check the popularity of the source on social media

Assume the most recent source is the most accurate

Why is it important to consider the date of publication when evaluating sources?

Newer sources are always better

Older sources are harder to find

Older sources are more reliable

Statistics and facts can change over time (correct)

What is important to consider when generalizing information from a study?

The font used in the study

The nationality of the researcher

The population that was used in the original research (correct)

The size of the sample population

When determining which sources to use, what is a good rule of thumb?

Use all sources from which you have taken information Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to cite sources?

To avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary source of information?

The original place where the information can be found Signup and view all the answers

Why is it best to use primary sources in academic writing?

Because they are more reliable and can be verified Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you find disagreements between sources on facts, figures, definitions, or statistics?

Determine which one is the correct piece of information for your topic Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a good source?

It is a source that your reader can verify for themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is a source in the context of essay writing?

The place where you gain information used in your writing Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason we use outside sources in essay writing?

Because we don't know all the facts and figures Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between primary and secondary sources?

Primary sources are original information, secondary sources are relayed information Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you find disagreements between sources?

Evaluate the sources and determine which one is correct Signup and view all the answers

What makes a source 'good' or reliable?

If your reader can verify the information Signup and view all the answers

Why is it beneficial to use multiple sources in essay research?

To provide evidence and support for your claims Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of finding duplicate studies when evaluating evidence?

To confirm the original study is correct Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to read the methods section of a study?

To identify the demographics of the research participants Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you find an article that confirms your initial idea but you don't use any information from it?

Cite the article as a source Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of citing sources?

To give credit to the original author Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using recent sources when evaluating evidence?

They provide more accurate data Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Sources

A source is the place where you gain information used in your writing.
Sources can be printed documents, online documents, speeches, quotes, or television or radio programs.
The best sources are those that can be verified by the reader.

Types of Sources

Primary sources are the original place where the information can be found, or the first person to make that information available.
Secondary sources are sources that relate information that was originally produced by someone else or somewhere else.
In academic writing, it is best to use primary sources whenever possible.

Evaluating Evidence from a Source

When evaluating evidence, determine which set of information has been duplicated with similar results.
Consider the currentness of the information, as some statistics may change over time.
Evaluate how the information was gathered, especially for population statistics.
Be careful not to generalize information beyond the population used in the original research.

Determining Which Source to Use

Use all sources from which you have taken information.
Use sources that can be attributed to a person or people.
Use the most recent data available, as it is often the most accurate.

Giving Credit

Always give credit where credit is due by citing every source you use in your writing.
Common citation formats include MLA and APA.
These formats allow for a uniform way of citing sources, both in the text of your paper and within the works cited or reference page.

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Description

Learn how to evaluate sources and use them effectively in your essays. Understand what makes a good source and how to incorporate it into your writing.