Understanding and Recognizing Source Validity

With so much information available almost instantaneously, it has become more important than ever to analyze and check your sources for validity.  Whether you are reading a political argument or searching for an article for a research paper, there are a few key things to remember about your sources.

There are several “signs” that may act as queues to the reader that a source is not reliable:

·         The source or article is heavily biased

·         The author uses descriptions that are emotionally charged or derogatory

·         The author is unqualified to remark on the topic

·         The author’s work is unfocused or shifts viewpoints

·         The source lacks scientific evidence to support its views or doesn’t include a resource page

There are several “signs” that may act as queues to the reader that a source is reliable:

·         The authors views are not emotionally charged, and remain focused

·         The authors work is based on valued scientific evidence, or includes a resource page

·         The author stays on topic and the work is focused

·         The authors work is balanced and may include viewpoints on opposing arguments when appropriate                                                                                                                              

Perdue University: online writing lab-resource checking

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/558/1/    (for additional information and resources)