Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers By Miss DePanfilis Authority and Currency Primary and Secondary Sources Signs of Bias

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers Authority and Currency Primary and Secondary Sources Signs of Bias

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers How do you check the authority in print? Examine the Authors Credentials Check the sponsoring institution Look at the bibliography

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers How do you check the authority on internet articles? Study the home page Check domain tags Check for bias

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers How do you check the currency in print? Check the copyright date

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers Currency on Internet Articles Check the latest update Check date on articles Are the links working?

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers Authority and Currency Primary and Secondary Sources Signs of Bias

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers What is a Primary Source? An original document (Letters, diaries, legislative bills, laboratory studies, field research reports, eyewitness accounts) Feel free to quote often!

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers What is a Secondary Source? Commentary or interpretation of a primary source May be opinionated

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers Primary Source vs. Secondary Source: Which is better? Secondary Source Can be very helpful if you first read the primary source Primary Source Not always more reliable First hand account

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers Authority and Currency Primary and Secondary Sources Signs of Bias

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers How do you avoid a biased resource in print? Check credibility Avoid most articles that include personal experiences Have the reference librarian consult the Book Review Digest

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers How do you avoid a biased resource on the internet? Check the sponsorship! Use educational, nonprofit, and governmental websites Be wary of commercial websites! Sell advertising space The often charge for access to their files Might be ISP sites where people can pay to post their own material

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers Questions to Ask When Checking for Signs of Bias Does the author or publisher have political leanings or religious views that could affect objectivity? Is the author or publisher affiliated with any special interest groups? How fairly does the author treat opposing views? Does the authors choice of words show signs of bias?

Choosing Valid Resources for Research Papers Authority and Currency Primary and Secondary Sources Signs of Bias