Scribd
Upload
5 views

Preview File

Uploaded by

galavihana06
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views

Preview File

Uploaded by

galavihana06
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 23

Topic: Evaluating sources

Skill Focus: Evaluation

The big question: Who should you


believe about climate change
Learning Focus Vocabulary

Consider the author and purpose when Heat wave-a period of abnormally
evaluating a source. hot weather.
Recognise that some sources may be Fossil fuel-a naturally occurring
more credible than others. substance such as coal, oil, or
natural gas formed from the remains
of living organisms and used as a
source of energy.

Ice caps-thick layers of snow and


ice cover large land areas, including
the north and south poles.
01
Getting started
Getting started: Task
Inthe reference material Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It
Doesn't, and Why It Matters, author Steven Koonin states: 'Heat waves in the
US are now no more common than they were in 1900.'

Working on your own, consider:

a) What kind of evidence might we look for to determine the validity of this
statement?

b) Who might we look to for analysis and advice and what sources might be
useful?

c) Suggest ways of deciding whether a reference source is trustworthy.


Steps to evaluate a source
Author’s Credentials:
• Check the Author's Background : Is the author an expert in the
field? Do they have relevant qualifications, experience, or
affiliations with reputable institutions?
• Look for Bias : Consider whether the author has a particular
agenda or bias that could influence the information.

1
Publication Date:
• Timeliness : Is the information current or outdated?
Depending on the topic, the relevance of the
publication date may vary, but generally, more recent
sources are preferred, especially for rapidly evolving
fields.
• Context : Consider whether historical sources are being
used appropriately within their context.

2
Publisher’s Reputation

• Assess the Publisher : Is the source published by a


reputable organization, academic institution, or
peer-reviewed journal? Reputable publishers usually have
editorial standards that ensure the quality and accuracy of
the content.
• Check for Peer Review : If the source is an academic

3
article, has it been peer-reviewed? Peer-reviewed sources
are typically more reliable.
Accuracy of Information:
• Cross-Check Facts : Verify the information by comparing
it with other credible sources. Consistency across multiple
sources often indicates accuracy.
• Citations and References : Does the source provide
evidence for its claims? Reliable sources usually cite other
reputable works, allowing readers to verify the
information.

4
Purpose and Audience:
• Understand the Purpose : What is the goal of the source?
Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something?
Sources with the primary purpose of informing are
generally more valid.
• Identify the Target Audience : Consider who the intended
audience is. Scholarly sources aimed at experts tend to be
more valid than those aimed at the general public,
especially when it comes to specialized topics.

5
Bias and Objectivity:
• Detect Bias : Look for signs of bias in the
language, tone, or presentation of the
information. Balanced and objective sources
are usually more valid.
• Consider Multiple Perspectives : Reliable
sources often acknowledge different
viewpoints and provide a well-rounded
perspective. 6
Relevance:
Assess Relevance to Your Topic : Is the source
directly related to your research question or topic?
Even valid sources may not be relevant if they do not
address your specific area of inquiry.

7
Difference Primary research Secondary research

Source of Data Primary Research:involves Secondary Research:


collecting original data directly Involves analyzing existing
from the source, such as data or information gathered
surveys, interviews, or by others, such as books,
experiments articles, and reports.
Purpose Primary Research: Secondary Research: Used
Conducted to address specific to review and analyze existing
research questions or information to support or refine
objectives that have not been a hypothesis, or to gain an
answered before. overview of a topic.
Data Specificity Primary Research: The data Secondary Research: The
collected is specific to the data may not be perfectly
researcher’s particular study aligned with the researcher’s
and directly relevant to their specific needs as it was
objectives. collected for different
purposes.
Exploring: Worksheet Task

In 2020 Denizen magazine published an article titled “The


Climate Change Debate:
We look at two different sides of the argument written by -Mia
Kerr-Lazenby.

Instructions:

1. Read the view of these two scientists from the article.


2. These two scientists are using the same data and drawing
different conclusions.
Task:1 st type of source - view
Let's discuss the strength and weakness of a source

Strength of the source Weakness of the source

Author’s Expertise Author’s Lack of Expertise


Credibility and Reputable Non-reputable or biased publisher
Publisher
Contains current information Outdated Information

Presents information in a Bias and Subjectivity


balanced and objective manner
Checklist for success

Sources can be considered credible when:

● the source of the evidence is clear


● the evidence is presented in a fair and neutral way
● the source is trustworthy and has a good track record
● the ideas offered are supported by other sources.
Task:2nd type of source - pictures

credit:https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/climate-science/sea-ice/polar-bears-
How to write a source analysis on an image?

Content analysis

● What do you see?


● What is the image about?
● Are there organisms in the image? What are they
doing? How are they presented?
● Can the image be looked at different ways?
● How effective is the image as a visual message?
Sources can generally be grouped into two
Primary source :A primary source is an original document or
first hand evidence created during the time being studied.

Examples:

● Diaries, letters, photographs, and videos.


● Official documents like treaties, laws, or birth certificates.
● Artifacts like tools, clothing, or buildings from the time period.
● Interview recordings or transcripts of people who directly
experienced an event.
Sources can generally be grouped into two
Secondary source :A secondary source interprets, analyzes, or
summarizes information from primary sources. These are
typically created after the event or period being studied.
Examples:

● Textbooks, encyclopedias, and history books.


● Articles, documentaries, or biographies that discuss or analyze historical
events.
● Academic papers that review or critique previous research.
The tool to evaluate sources:OPVL
Rubric for OPVL
Tool
Thank You

You might also like