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SHS 230 - Pre-Practicum - Deep Dive to Investigate Potential Practicum Sites: Evaluate Your Sources

How to evaluate your sources

An extremely important part of the research process is evaluating your sources.  With each source, you want to answer questions to check the credibility of the information.

What to look for:

WEBSITE: The website should provide information about their mission, goals, funding, services and qualifications.

  • What are their qualifications (education, experience, etc.)?

  •  Do they provide enough information to demonstrate their credibility?

  • Do they list the members of the organization?  Do they include their contact information?

 

RELIABLE: The information should be accurate with documentation and evidence to show that it is true.

  • What information does the website provide?

  • Are their claims supported by evidence?  How do you know?

 

PURPOSE: Decide the purpose of the website by looking closely at the information.

  • What is the purpose of the article and website?

  • How can you tell who the information is intended for and what missing information do you need?

Watch: Evaluating Websites

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