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Drexel Library

MEDIA LITERACY INITIATIVE : 6 EVALUATE

6 EVALUATING YOUR SOURCES

In this section you will evaluate the articles found in section 5 Research. Watch the video below to learn more about ways to evaluate and think critically about scholarly articles. You will evaluate one article for the activity.

EVALUATING SCHOLARLY SOURCES

You set your search to limit to scholarly articles and perhaps you think that is enough for determining if the article is credible. While scholars with subject expertise have authority, unfortunately, some may have bias and an agenda they are trying to archive in their publications. For this reason, and others detailed below, all types of sources should be looked at with a critical eye when conducting research.

Remember, no one is the ultimate authority and it is important to fully evaluate sources, including scholarly articles.

VIDEO

QUESTIONS TO ASK

1. Authority

  • Who is the author(s)? What are their credentials? Are they associated with a reputable organization or college/university, etc.?

2. Objectivity

  • Does the author state the goals of this publication? To inform, advocate, persuade?
  • Are the facts and all sides fairly? Are opposing view points addressed? Or is their bias?
  • Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched? Are conclusions supported by evidence?

3. Quality

  • Is the article well organized and clearly written? Do you see sections like methods, results, etc.? Are arguments presented logically?
  • Is the information accurate? Are facts documented? Are authoritative sources cited?

4. Coverage

  • Does it offer information or knowledge not found elsewhere? How in-depth is the article?

5. Currency

  • How current is the information? Often currency matters, particularly in health and scientific articles when information can become out of date quickly.

6. Audience

  • Does the article seem intended for a specific audience?
  • Why was it written for this audience? To inform, persuade, to present results of a study?

ACTIVITY