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Writing 10-05: Reading & Composition (Block, Fall 2024)

Step 4 - Read & Evaluate

Evaluating sources is an important step of the research process. Decorative element: Icon of a rating scale from three stars down to oneThe evidence you choose to use for your research should accurately support what you are trying to argue and it should lend credibility to your work. If you cherry pick your sources, or find quotes that "kind of" fit in your paper, that can have the opposite effect.

Evaluating Sources for Credibility (Video Tutorial)

Check out this short (3:22) video from the University of Kansas (KU) Libraries to learn about evaluating sources for credibility.

Step 4 - Pause to Reflect

When evaluating sources of information Decorative element: Icon of the outline of a standing person in a pensive pose with a thought bubble above their headfor accuracy and credibility, there are many aspects of the source that you can consider.  One source that might not fit your research question could still be useful to someone else, so it's not helpful to think about "good" or "bad" sources. Most importantly, if a resource is from a trustworthy author or organization and helps you answer your research question, then you have identified a useful source. Please contact your instructor or a librarian if you would like more help!