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OPVL Analysis Notes

This document provides guidance on using the OPVL method to evaluate sources for research. OPVL stands for Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitations. It involves analyzing the source's origin and reliability, purpose and perspective, value in answering research questions, and limitations. The method helps determine whether a source can be trusted and should be included in a research project. It promotes choosing the right sources to create accurate and well-supported work.

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Amaira Chopra
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212 views

OPVL Analysis Notes

This document provides guidance on using the OPVL method to evaluate sources for research. OPVL stands for Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitations. It involves analyzing the source's origin and reliability, purpose and perspective, value in answering research questions, and limitations. The method helps determine whether a source can be trusted and should be included in a research project. It promotes choosing the right sources to create accurate and well-supported work.

Uploaded by

Amaira Chopra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SOURCE

ANALYSIS
OPVL notes

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What is OPVL
OPVL is a very common method used by many people around the world to evaluate
both primary and secondary sources, it is also taught in schools in Australia as a
method of effectively and thoroughly evaluating sources. OPVL stands for Origin,
Purpose, Value and Limitations these parts of the OPVL analysis method aim to
thoroughly analyse and evaluate a source in relation to a specific research question
that is being investigated. By learning this method of source evaluation it will give
you a very good sense of what sources you should chose to trust and include in your
research and which ones you shouldn't the method will help you create more accurate
and precise works/ essays/ presentations and more as you will have the right research
with the right sources fitting your task/ topic question.
1. Origin
Step 1: Find out if your source is a primary or secondary source
Primary or Secondary? - What's the difference? Which is better?
A primary source an be: Primary?
​letter, journal, interview, speeches, photos, A primary document can tell you about the original
paintings, etc. Primary sources are created by author’s perspective (viewpoint).
someone who is the “first person”; these
documents can also be called “original source Secondary?
documents. A secondary document can tell you how the primary
document was received during a specific time
A secondary source can be: ​materials that are period or by a specific audience.
written with the benefit of hindsight (information)
and materials that filter primary sources through ​ ne is not more reliable than the other. Valuable
O
interpretation or evaluation. Books commenting on information can be gleaned from both types of
a historical incident in history are secondary documents.
sources, cartoons
​
Step 2: Question the reliability

This involves checking the reliability of the source by asking very targeted questions aimed at deciphering
whether this source would be reliable enough to accepts its point of view and facts portrayed.

Questions to ask about the source:


1.Where does this source come from?
2.When was this information published or posted?
3.Who is the author, publisher source or sponsor?
4.Are the authors credentials, qualifications or organizational affiliations given?
5.If so what are they and are they reliable?
2. Purpose
Step 1: Ask some real hard hitting questions!
This is where you start the real evaluation of the source and try to figure out the purpose for its creation by
asking targeted questions analyzing its purpose. Some of the questions you should try and find answers to are
below. You might not have space or the time to write an answer for all of them so find a couple that you have
some good evidence to back up and focus on writing something for those select questions.

1.What was the purpose of the information? 6. Why does this document exist?
2.What perspective is the author trying to 7. Why did the author create this piece of work?
convey? 8.Why did the author choose to create it in this way?
3.Is the purpose clear? 9. Who is the intended audience?
4.Is the information fact, fiction, opinion or 10.What does the document “say”?
propaganda? ​11. Can it tell you more than is on the surface?
5.Does the point of view appear objective or
impartial?
Step 2: Ask yourself these questions
• What can we tell about the author from the source?
3. Value • What can we tell about the time period from the source?
• Under what circumstances was the source created and how
does the piece reflect those circumstances?
Step 1: Do they answer your focus questions and • What can we tell about any debates/questions from the
topic question? source?
• This is the part that requires you to think inwards• Does the author represent a particular ‘side’ of a controversy
and show your expertise. Based on who wrote it, or event?
when/where it came from, why it was created -
what value does it have as a piece of evidence? • What can we tell about the author’s opinion from the source?
• 1. How has the source helped you with your • 7. What was going on in history/media/society at the time
research? the source was created and how does this source accurately
2. What questions has it answered? reflect it?
8. How useful is this source?
9. How can it be applied to my project/ essay/ work/
presentation?
10. Has the information included in the source been reviewed
or referred to check the reliability?
11. Can you verify the information in another source
(corroboration)?
4. Limitations You need to ask yourself - what point does
•
this source stop being of value? Has the author –
left anything out, not known the whole story?
Ask yourself does this source have bias?
• Step 1: Ask yourself how is the source limited

1. How reliable is the source? The questions mentioned on the left are only
2. Is it objective or subjective? starters this part requires you to critically look at
3. Are there political, institutional, religious, the source and find limitations that are reducing the
cultural, ideological or personal biases? value of the source. Remember there are always
limitations!

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