Identifying and Assessing Sources - Eng 10 - Contemporary Poets - McLean High School Library at McLean High School

SIFT Video

SIFT Assessment for Online Resources

Research Tip

Tips on Source Analysis:

A note about authority: No matter the type of source, you must identify who is responsible for the content, and determine their credentials, expertise and overall qualification as a recognized expert in the field. Is the book or article written by a professor or other highly qualified individual?
Scholarly sources focus on particular aspects of topics in the field and develop deep analysis based on research.
Who is doing the publishing? If you can't find an author, you must find who is publishing and still ensure the credibility.

"S" = Stop

S

STOP

When choosing a source from a list of search results consider:

Are any of the results for profit?
Which source is best fit for you?
Which one is from a familiar and trusted source?

Before you read, share or use a source, STOP!

Do you know and trust the source?
When viewing a source, how do you feel?

Caution: If a source is playing on you emotions, look more carefully!

The purpose of this source is…

"I" = Investigate

I

INVESTIGATE

Taking sixty seconds to figure out where the source is from before reading will help you decide if it is worth your time and if it is trustworthy.

Who is behind the information?
- What can you find out about the website?
- What can you learn about the author? Google them.
  - Do they have authority in the area?
  - Would the author’s assessment be biased?
    - What's the evidence?

Use lateral reading. Go beyond the 'About Us' section on the organization's website and see what other, trusted sources say about the source. You can use Google or Wikipedia to investigate the source.

When I googled the author I learned…

When I googled the website/journal/publishing house I learned…

Eng 10 - Contemporary Poets: Identifying and Assessing Sources

header

English 10: Poetry Project

Identifying and Evaluating Sources