As a college student you know that your job is to evaluate the sources you use for your papers, presentations and research. But how do you do it?
These steps are most appropriate for sources available from the library, but they can be tweaked for web and news sources. Get tips for spotting fake sites, fake news and media bias.
1. Credentials
What does the author know about the subject?
2. Objectivity
Does the author have an agenda?
3. Documentation
Where did the author get the information?
4. Timeliness
When was the material written?
5. Review and Editing
Has the material been reviewed for publication?
Try these articles to get started. These open access articles can be freely accessed by anyone, no COM account required.
Houston, 1912 from the Library of Congress.
Jennie Rizzandi, 9 year old girl, helping mother and father finish garments in a dilapidated tenement, 5 Extra Pl., N.Y.C. They all work until 9 P.M. when busy, and make about $2 to $2.50 a week. Father works on street, when he has work. 1913, from the Lewis Hine Collection, Library of Congress
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