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LLHS Library: Evaluating Sources

Welcome Knights!

Why Evaluate Internet Content?

 

On the Internet, anyone can find a wealth of information on just about any topic. The challenge comes in selecting appropriate and reliable sources. Just because a web page comes up first on a Google search does not mean it is an appropriate or reliable source of information.

Try reading laterally. In other words, open up multiple tabs in your browser to look stuff up and fact check as you read. Given that all sources are not created equal, learning to evaluate critically is an important part of the research process. Use the videos and vetted websites found on this page to help you determine the authority and accuracy of sites you choose for your research.

Click here for help on spotting Fake News also known as Misinformation.

What is lateral reading?

What About Wikipedia?

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has made finding background information incredibly easy.  But if you are planning to use it as a key resource for your research beware:

  • Wikipedia can be a good place to start your research, but is generally not considered an acceptable source to cite.
  • See what Wikipedia has to say about this topic.

Lateral Reading in a Nutshell

Lateral Reading

  • Lateral reading is to use multiple tabs in your browser to look stuff up and fact check as you read. Real-time fact-checking can help you figure out what's valid and what's not.
  • In other words, you're verifying what you're reading while you're reading it.
  • Instead of accepting the website's information at face value, ask yourself - who is behind this information? Then leave the website by opening other tabs (lateral reading) to search for trustworthiness, expertise, reputation, funding sources, and biases.

How to Find Better Information Online: Click Restraint

Video - Why Can't I Just Search Google?

How to Use Google for Research

When using Google for your research use Google Advanced Search or Google Scholar.

Or try these Google Search Tips to target or refine your topic.

Google Scholar Search

Lateral Reading

Databases vs. The Web

DATABASES

  • Evaluated; credible information created by subject experts
  • Advance searching criteria available - results can be filtered for precision
  • More efficient
  • Content is stable and easily retrievable for future research

WEB

  • No standards in place, anyone can publish, NOT evaluated for accuracy and reliability
  • Search results not easily filtered, too many results; duplicates
  • Wastes time sifting and evaluating numerous results
  • No guarantees the same content will be available at a later date

Scholarly vs. Popular

Scholarly or Peer-Reviewed Journals

  • Written for a subject specific academic audience by scholars with credentials listed
  • Vetted by subject peers or experts
  • Contain original research / data; footnotes and bibliography
  • Not for profit
  • Click Here for a more complete explanation of the peer review process from UC Berkeley

Popular Magazine or Newspapers

  • Written for a general audience by journalists who may not have special subject expertise
  • Do not have footnotes or sources listed
  • Not peer-reviewed
  • Opinion pieces and editorials can have bias
  • For profit

Interactive Game