|
Understanding
Research
 Research
process
Select
a topic
Refine
a topic
Identify
objectives Choose
approach
Explore
a topic
Plan
a search
 Evaluate
info
Finding
Books
Finding
Articles
|
How
Do I Evaluate the Information I Find?
Once
you have selected a source, examine the content carefully.
As
you examine the content, consider these points:
- Always
think actively and critically as you read
Does the argument you're reading make sense?
- No
one is perfect
Everyone makes mistakes, even those whose research is published. Again,
does the argument make sense?
- "Unbiased
information" is an oxymoron
Everyone has an opinion or an agenda. - What is the writer's motivation?
- What is the writer's intent? How is the writer presenting the information?
- How subjective is the presentation?
- Appearances
can be deceiving
What has been presented? What has not been presented? Make sure that
ALL the pertinent facts are presented in an argument, not just one side.
Good research involves no cherry-picking.
- Never
assume
Make sure the opinion you read is backed by facts. Then double-check
them!
- A
house stands or falls on its foundation
Look at the sources cited by the writer. - Are the sources reliable,
reputable, objective sources? - Is there a pattern or particular viewpoint
associated with the sources?
Remember
these points when evaluating the content of whatever you read, watch,
or listen to. Then you will be able to better assess the accuracy of the
information presented and the validity of the argument.
For more
information, consult the library's guide Evaluating Information
Sources, available from the Research Help page,
under Research Support Materials.
Do You Know How?
Once you find and obtain your resources and start reading, keep
these questions in mind. You will begin to know how
to think critically and effectively evaluate whatever you see or hear.
Congratulations!
You have reached the end of this segment of KnowHow. You
are now ready to learn how to find and obtain resources on your topic—go
to segment 2 in this tutorial: Finding
Books.
|
