The purpose of this exercise is to help students evaluate the reliability, credibility, and relevance of sources they encounter during their research process. This will help become more discerning about which sources to use in academic writing and improve your ability to justify why a particular source is appropriate for your paper.
Instructions:
Choose Two Sources:Select two sources that you would consider using for a research paper on a specific topic of your choice.
At least one source must be a peer-reviewed academic article, and the other can be from any type of source (news article, website, book, etc.).
Evaluate Each Source:For each source, answer the following questions in full sentences: Authority and Credibility:Who is the author or organization behind the source?
What are their qualifications or expertise on the topic?
Accuracy and Reliability:Does the source provide evidence or references for its claims?
Are there any noticeable biases or potential conflicts of interest?
Relevance:How is this source related to your topic or research question?
Is the information in the source current and relevant to the time period you’re researching?
Purpose and Audience:Why was this source written or produced? To inform, persuade, entertain, or something else?
Who is the intended audience of the source?
Publication and Format:Where was the source published? Is it from a reputable journal, website, or publisher?
Is the source a primary or secondary source?
Write a Reflection:After evaluating both sources, write a brief reflection (200-300 words) explaining which of the two sources you believe is more credible and why. Be sure to refer back to the criteria you evaluated (authority, accuracy, relevance, etc.) when justifying your choice
Formatting:Format your assignment in MLA style with proper in-text citations and a Works Cited page for the two sources you evaluated.
Grading Criteria:
Source 1 Evaluation:
Clear and thorough evaluation of the source using the provided criteria.
Source 2 Evaluation :
Clear and thorough evaluation of the second source using the provided criteria.
Reflection :
Thoughtful reflection on the two sources and explanation of which is more credible and why.
MLA Formatting and Citations :
Proper use of MLA formatting and citations for the sources.
https://library.delta.edu/home
THIS LINK IS FOR THE PEER REVIEWED SOURCE ^