Credible Sources Research Using Trustworthy Sources Credibility Definition

Credible Sources Research Using Trustworthy Sources

Credibility Definition: 1. capable of being believed; believable: a credible statement. 2. worthy of belief or confidence; trustworthy: a credible witness. Credibility is important! ◦ If your research is flawed, so is your argument. ◦ If you use credible sources, you can believe them, and your readers can believe you.

How do I know if my sources are credible? Library resources (print and digital) are credible. Most large newspapers are credible. Scholarly journals are usually credible. ◦ New York Times ◦ Washington Post ◦ Des Moines Register ◦ JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Most government publications are credible. Reputable organizations are usually credible. Most information from colleges is credible. ◦ American Cancer Society ◦ World Health Organization ◦ American Red Cross ◦. edu websites

How do I know if my sources are credible? You can automatically rule out: ◦ ◦ ◦ Wikipedia Twitter Facebook Blogs Personal sites

Using the Internet for Research The internet offers the BEST information on MANY topics. The internet offers the WORST information on MOST topics. You can use internet resources for research papers, but you have to be careful.

Credible Internet Sources Ways to tell a credible internet source: ◦ Looks professional The website doesn’t look like it was made by a 4 -yearold with a crayon All or most links are working ◦ Information offered is easy to verify The website offers links to where they found their information The sources of their information is also credible

Credible Internet Sources ◦ It is easy to contact the owners of the website for more information or to ask questions ◦ The site is up to date Information from 1991 is not listed as “recent” ◦ There are no errors The site uses proper spelling and grammar ◦ The website is appropriate There is no inappropriate language, graphics, or photos

Credible Internet Sources These guidelines are not 100% When in doubt, ask for help from a teacher or librarian If you’re still not sure, DON’T use it Be careful with. com sites (. comes from “commerce”) ◦ Many. com sites are trying to sell something, which means they are all biased in some way ◦ Sites with lots of advertisements are usually less credible

Credible Library Resources Nonfiction books Digital resources – AEA Online ◦ Britannica Online – encyclopedia ◦ Culture. Grams – info. about countries and cultures ◦ GALE – database of magazines, newspapers, reference books ◦ SIRS Issues Researcher – database of magazines, newspapers, reference books regarding controversial issues ◦ Teen Health and Wellness – online resource for ms/hs students. Topics include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, mental health, suicide, bullying, green living, financial literacy, and more.