NFM - Finding Credible Sources Lesson
Finding Credible Sources
When looking for sources, particularly websites, think about whether or not they are reliable. Please see a chart of different types of websites and general reliability.
| URL | Type of Info |
|
.com (commercial) |
Commercial sites, ads, business info, shopping, news |
| .edu (education) | School info, links to libraries and departments |
| .gov (government) | Statistics, public info, facts, agency databases |
| .org (organization) | Non-profit information, interest group agendas, may try to influence public opinion |
| .net (network) | Internet service provider, often sponsors personal sites |
Your paper should contain sources written by unbiased and professional experts, not businessmen with commercial interests. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if a source is reliable:
Using Current Sources
Be sure to seek out sources that are current, or up to date. Depending on the topic, sources may become outdated relatively soon after publication, or they may remain useful for years. For instance, online social networking sites have evolved rapidly over the past few years. An article published in 2002 about this topic will not provide current information. On the other hand, a research paper on elementary education practices might refer to studies published decades ago by influential child psychologists.
When using websites for research, check to see when the site was last updated. Many sites publish this information on the homepage, and some, such as news sites, are updated daily or weekly. Many non-functioning links are a sign that a website is not regularly updated. Do not be afraid to ask for suggestions if you find that many of the most relevant sources are not especially reliable—or that the most reliable sources are not relevant. Take a look at the following video to learn more about finding sources, analyzing relevant information, and organizing notes. (Source: easybib.com Links to an external site.)
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