Credible Sources

​SWBAT accurately determine the credibility of sources.

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​Standard:

​CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

​Adjective

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​Believable or convincing.

​Synonyms:

Reliable, Trustworthy, Dependable

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​A credible witness can be the deciding factor in many court cases.

​Test every source for CRAAP.

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​Knowing this information will help you to determine the credibility of a source.

• No, not $$$

• When considering if you should use a source, determine how CURRENT the information is

• If you are writing an essay about climate change, for example, using a source from 2002 may not have the best information available.

• Ask yourself "What does this really have to do with my topic?"

• ​How can this information be used to prove my claim?

• If you are writing about climate change and your source is about the habits of polar bears, it may not be exactly relevant to your topic

• There are many sources out there... be patient and look for the one with the BEST information

• This can be the most difficult to determine

• Consider...

  • what references does the author provide?

  • Is there a list of citations?

  • Do they quote authoritative sources?

• Also...

  • Do you notice the same fact confirmed in multiple sources?

    • This would indicate that the information is likely true (although this is not enough to cite the source).

• Before you trust the information provided by an author... ask yourself:

  • What credibility does the author have?

    • Do they have a degree?

    • Are they a published author on the topic?

    • Do they have experience in the relevant field?

• If the author does not have these things...

  • Do they cite people who have the above?

• To be absolutely sure that your source is to be trusted, consider what the purpose of the source is.

• Many websites are meant to entertain or to advertise.

• You should search for sources whose purpose is to educate/inform.

• Most credible:

  • library databases

  • peer-reviewed journals

    Encyclopedias

  • University resources

  • Documentaries or videos featuring credible people

  • Government websites

  • Historical societies

  • Museum websites