Evaluating Source Credibility
What is a credible source?
A source that offers accurate, well-researched, and trustworthy information supported by evidence.
Why is it important to include source information in your notes?
So you can easily create citations later and trace information back to its original source.
How could you narrow your search of "healthcare careers" to find out requirements for a career in nursing?
You could narrow it to “nursing job requirements.”
What is bias?
A tendency to favor one side or perspective over another.
What does cross-referencing help you avoid?
Relying on inaccurate, incomplete, or biased information.
What is a government (.gov) website's reliability compared to a personal blog?
Government websites are more reliable because they come from recognized authorities, unlike personal blogs with unclear ownership.
What is the two-column method for note-taking?
One column lists key points or questions, and the other holds detailed notes.
What is a broad keyword you might start with when researching a Career in Healthcare?
Something general like “healthcare careers” or “nursing.”
How can you identify a source's funding and affiliations?
Check if the author or publication discloses sponsors, organizations, or institutions tied to the work.
Why are citations important for avoiding plagiarism?
They show which ideas are not your own and give credit to the original author.
How does the publication date affect the credibility of a source?
Information can become outdated; current topics require up-to-date sources, while older ones may still be useful for history.
What is the benefit of organizing notes by topics or subtopics?
It makes it easier to locate information and connect ideas later.
Why is it helpful to use multiple keywords when researching a career topic?
Because using multiple keywords—like job title, skills, and industry—helps you find more relevant and specific results about the career you’re researching.
EX: Searching “graphic design AND job outlook AND skills” gives more focused results than just “graphic design.”
What role does funding play in determining bias?
A source funded by a group with an agenda may present information that favors their interests.
What are the key components of a complete citation?
Author’s name, title, publication date, publisher, page number, and URL or DOI for online sources.
Name two types of publications that are generally considered credible sources.
Academic journals and books from reputable presses (also .gov, .edu, and .org websites).
How can paraphrasing improve your note-taking skills?
It helps you understand the material better and avoid plagiarism.
Explain how to narrow down a broad keyword search.
Add more specific keywords or phrases related to your topic.
What is confirmation bias and how can it affect your research?
It’s when you only look for information that supports your existing beliefs, which limits objectivity.
What does it mean to corroborate evidence?
To confirm information by finding it supported across multiple sources.
What is the importance of identifying the author's qualifications when evaluating source credibility?
Because it shows if the author is an expert in the field, with relevant degrees, experience, or recognition from other experts.
What are two effective strategies for taking notes during research?
Be selective and strategic about key points, and organize notes by topic or subtopic.
What is the purpose of using search commands like AND, OR, and NOT?
To refine searches: AND narrows, OR broadens, and NOT excludes terms.
How can language and tone indicate bias in a source?
Emotionally charged words like “always” or “obviously” suggest a lack of objectivity.
Why is it important to seek out original sources when cross-referencing?
Because secondary sources might misinterpret or oversimplify data.