Eapp Module 6

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EAPP
Module 6
Evaluating Sources Evaluation Criteria for Seeking Relevant, Useful and Accurate Information
At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Understand the importance of evaluating sources
2. Know the different evaluation criteria
Evaluation Criteria #1: AUTHORITY
Evaluate sources on the authority of the author and the publisher by asking the following:
Who is the author ?
Can you find the authority or credentials of the author ?
Can you find the authority or credentials of the publisher ?
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EAPP
If you cannot find information regarding the authority of the author or publisher while evaluating sources,
YOU SHOULD NOT USE THE SOURCES.
For internet sources without an author, THE RELIABILITY IS IN QUESTION.
Websites or publications by government agencies or well-established non-profit organizations are MORE
RELIABLE EVEN WITH THE ABSENCE OF A NAMEDAUTHOR.
Evaluation Criteria #2: ACCURACY
Evaluate sources on the accuracy of information and bibliographic information by asking the following
questions:
 Does the information in the article appear correct ?
 Does the article have a bibliography or reference list ?
 Is it clear where the author got his or her information ?
 Is it obvious who is responsible for the information ?
If you cannot verify that the information is correct or that the author is an expert on the topic, YOU
SHOULD NOT USE THE SOURCE.
Evaluation Criteria #3: CONTENT
Evaluate sources based on the content by asking the following questions:  Does the content address the
topic effectively ?
 Are the key questions about your topic answered within the content ?
 Does the content seem like it is likely to help your research ?
 Does the content provide any information that is new or useful ?
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EAPP
While evaluating the content is important, it is not the only evaluation criteria in deciding to use a
source. However, if the content is lacking or does not address your topic, YOU SHOULD NOT USE
THE SOURCE.
Evaluation Criteria #4: RELEVANCE

Evaluate sources based on relevance by asking the following question:
 Is the information and content relevant to your research paper topic ?

Sometimes a source’s relevancy is not apparent until you have read all or most of the information. In
many instances, however, you can judge the relevance by looking at the following aspects of a source:
 TITLE
 TABLE OFCONTENTS
 INTRODUCTION
 INDEX, when applicable.
Evaluation Criteria #5: OBJECTIVITY
Evaluates sources on their objectivity and bias by asking the following questions:  Is the objectivity
of the source clear ?
 Is there any obvious bias ?
 Is the purpose obvious ?
 Is the sole purpose of the article to give information or does it promote or try to sell something ?
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 The nature of your assignment and your topic determine how important it is for your sources to be
objective.
 A lack of objectivity is not an automatic reason to dismiss a source if it fits the assignment and the
topic while still allowing you to find other sources with opposing viewpoints.
Evaluation Criteria #6: AUDIENCE
Evaluate sources based on the intended audience of the author by asking the following questions:
 What audience does the author appear to be addressing ?
 Is the intended audience a group of experts or a more general audience ?
 Is the content too simple, technical or advanced ? Or is it well-suited to your topic and assignment?
The intended audience can influence your evaluation of a source, but it should not be the sole factor in
your decision.
Evaluation Criteria #7: WRITING STYLE
Evaluate sources based on the writing style by asking the following questions:
 Is the organization of the content logical ?
 Is there a clear presentation of the argument ?
 Is the text easy to read ? Too wordy ? Too formal ? Too informal ? Too choppy ?
The writing style of the author of an original source influences whether the source is appropriate for
your topic and assignment. If the style does not fit with what you are trying to accomplish, consider
whether you want to keep the source as one to cite or to simply use it to consult.
Evaluation Criteria #8: CURRENCY
Evaluate sources based on currency by asking the following questions:

 When was the source published or written ?
 Is the time of publication or writing important for your topic ?
 Is there more current research available on the same topic ?
 Is the date evident for any visual aids, such as graphs, charts or tables ?
Name: _____________________________________________ Rating: ______________
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Grade and Section:_____________ Subject Teacher:__________________________
Due of Submission: _____________________________
Module 6
Evaluating Sources Evaluation Criteria for Seeking Relevant, Useful and Accurate Information
Pick any text and evaluate it using the 8 evaluation criteria we discussed.
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EAPP
https://libguides.reynolds.edu/c.php?g=143583&p=939850
https://libguides.library.cqu.edu.au/c.php?g=760902&p=5456702

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What are the different criteria for evaluating sources?

What should you do if you cannot find information about the author or publisher of a source?

1

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

Evaluation Criteria #1: AUTHORITY

Evaluation Criteria #2: ACCURACY

Evaluation Criteria #3: CONTENT

Evaluation Criteria #4: RELEVANCE

 Is the information and content relevant to your research paper topic ?

Evaluation Criteria #5: OBJECTIVITY

Evaluation Criteria #6: AUDIENCE

Evaluation Criteria #7: WRITING STYLE

Evaluation Criteria #8: CURRENCY

Evaluate sources based on currency by asking the following questions:

Name: _______________________________ Rating:

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