what questions do you ask when evaluating a source,and why?

Answer 1

Is the site authoritative? Who is the author? Does he/she have the background to speak as an authority, and finally, who funded the study? I completely disagree with the person who said that a study on global warming paid for by the oil companies would have less value than one paid for by a university or the government. BOTH studies would be worthwhile. The person using the study, however, needs to be aware of and evaluate the bias of the study. The one paid for by oil companies may have some significant data that is worthwhile and at the same time may show some bias. That does NOT render the study worthless. Right to life and pro choice people both have some good arguments for their respective cases. Because they are bias, does not mean they are unworthy of being used in research. The researcher, however, MUST be aware of and point out the bias.

Chow!!

Answer 2

For web sources, I look to see what they're selling. If, for example, they claim to have scientific evidence that cranberry snuff cures cancer, and they just happen to be selling cranberry snuff, I assume it's a bogus source.

For a political source, I don't ask. I assume it's biased, and I look for a source with the opposite bias to get another view.

I also look for signs that a site is promoting pseudoscience or conspiracy theories.

1. Extraordinary claims backed by little or no evidence. (The "Face" on Mars.)
2. Assuming that only one conceivable--and usually the most diabolical--answer is true. (Our government *might* be hiding alien bodies, therefore they *are* hiding alien bodies.)
3. Fuzzy photos that are claimed to show an extraordinary detail even though such detail is not visible. (A lot of UFO and ghost photos, the devil's face supposedly appearing in the smoke from the WTC attack.)

JMB

Answer 3

Does the source have professional accreditation? Is the information published in a respected and reputable journal? Wikipedia is not a reputable source, by the way. There are many errors in the information contained there. Britannica is a reputable source. If it's in Britannica, you can rely on it -- but make sure you have a current edition of the encyclopedia as some information has been updated.

Answer 4

is it an accredited site? Is there an author? Does it seem real? It is professional looking? Is it recent? Great sites are .org .edu They usually have the most valid information. And WIKIPEDIA is not a good site.

Answer 5

who is the author? what other work have they done? are they respected in their field?
and most important - who paid for this research? for example, a study on global warming paid for by an oil company has a lot more inherant bias than one paid for by a university or government.