Question

In a paragraph, explain why the data presented is different, and evaluate the reliability of each source. Which should be used in a school research project, and why?

Answer 1

How to Evaluate the Credibility of a Source
We are constantly surrounded by information, and it is not always easy to know which sources to trust. Being able to evaluate the credibility of information is an important skill used in school, work, and day-to-day life. With so much advertising, controversy, and blogging going on, how do you sift through the chaff and cut to the chase?

Not all information is created equal. Just because you find information at the library does not guarantee that it is accurate or good research. In an academic setting, being able to critically evaluate information is necessary in order to conduct quality research. Each item you find must be evaluated to determine its quality and credibility in order to best support your research.

To evaluate a source consider the following:

Authority

Who published the source? Is it a university press or a large reputable publisher? Is it from a government agency? Is the source self-published? What is the purpose of the publication?
Where does the information in the source come from? Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched, or is it questionable and unsupported by evidence? Is there a list of references or works cited? What is the quality of these references?
Who is the author? What are the author's credentials (educational background, past writing, experience) in this area? Have you seen the author's name cited in other sources or bibliographies?
Is the content a first-hand account or is it being retold? Primary sources are the raw material of the research process; secondary sources are based on primary sources.
Currency

When was the source published? Is the source current or out of date for your topic?
Purpose

What is the author’s intention? Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda? Is the author's point of view objective and impartial? Is the language free of emotion-rousing words or bias?
Is the publication organized logically? Are the main points clearly presented? Do you find the text easy to read? Is the author repetitive?

Answer 2

In this question, there is no data or sources presented. Because of this, we cannot successfully evaluate the differences or the reliability of these items. However, we can still talk about the subject of reliability in general terms.

A source that is reliable is one that can be trusted. In order for a source to be trusted, it needs to have earned some reputation as an expert. This can refer to an author, but it can also refer to a group of people, such as a governmental organization. Moreover, a reliable source is one that provides evidence for all the claims it makes. Finally, a reliable source should take into account counterarguments and other types of opposition to the argument the source makes.