Evaluating Sources
weknowmemes, posted 20 July 2012.
I use the examples and resources on this page to introduce strategies for evaluating sources with a critical eye. After reviewing this material, I place students in groups and provide 4-5 sources that they must evaluate and rank according to credibility.
The Importance of Tracing Your Sources
"As the article was passed around the internet and lost its attribution, parents who read it became concerned. The real-life organization was inundated with calls and emails, and even some people who worked there thought the satirical blurb was real, asking the executives when the study had been conducted. The Institute was finally forced to send out a press release stating the obvious: good parenting can lead to great things for kids and adults." Kathy Benjamin, "6 Times The Onion Had People Completely Fooled"
The Olsen Twins Go to Notre Dame
“The Fake CNN News Generator was online only a week . . . ersatz news stories were picked up by local outlets and reported as real. Phony stories about the death of musician Dave Matthews, or the Olsen twins attending local universities, for example, appeared in a number of local newspapers, as well as regional radio and TV news reports.”
Evaluating Sources
What is a source?
What is a peer-reviewed source?
Are newspaper articles peer-reviewed sources?
Why cite sources?
Yeah, if you could link to the peer reviewed study, that'd be great. Credit: Adam Kennedy. Shared on Pinterest by GMLOL memes.
Source Evaluation Checklist
Who wrote it? Who cites it?
What is the argument? What is the counterargument?
Where was it published?
When was it published?
Why is it relevant to your research question?
How will you use it in your research?
Sarah Blakeslee, "The CRAAP Test" and "Evaluating Information - Applying the CRAAP Test"
Evaluating Websites
Dihyrdogen Monoxide Research Division
Homework
1. Read about the Pizzagate case and formulate one discussion question for class.
Cecilia Kang, "Fake News Onslaught Targets Pizzeria as Nest of Child-Trafficking"
Eric Lipton, "Man Motivated by ‘Pizzagate’ Conspiracy Theory Arrested in Washington Gunfire"
2. Locate a credible source, as well as one with questionable credibility, and post the following on your blog:
Links to both websites
Two paragraphs that explain your conclusion regarding each site's credibility (one paragraph per site)
Additional Articles / Resources for Evaluating Websites
Wynne Davis, "Fake Or Real? How To Self-Check The News And Get The Facts"
Keith Lambert, "The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Source Credibility"
Michele Kirschenbaum, "Identifying Fake News: An Infographic and Educator Resources"