This module is about evaluating the credibility and utility of the research sources you find.You learned how to search the library databases in Module 4, so what’s next? Which articles should you use? There are several considerations when selecting what material to use for your research project including the credibility of the material and whether the information contains logical fallacies.
Credible information may not be scholarly, and some scholarly information isn’t credible. ‘Scholarly’ is about how the information is used, while ‘credibility’ results from how the information was created. Credibility is whether the information is trustworthy and well researched.
One way to check on whether the information in a source is complete and factual is to use lateral reading, a technique wherein you look for independent sources of the information to see if any data or context is missing that would change the meaning of the information. This technique is particularly useful when evaluating popular and internet sources, including things you find on social media.
Also be sure to evaluate if the information suitably addresses your research question and the assignment requirements.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to understand:
