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Evaluating Information: Beyond the "About" Page

A guide to evaluating information designed and created by Clark Librarians

Source 1

article screenshot

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

Be prepared to discuss:

1. What kind of source is this? 

2. What clues do you have to determine if this source is credible

3. What clues do you have to determine if this source is appropriate for a science paper? 

Rate this source on the scale below:

Based on what you know at this point, would you use this source for a science paper?
Yes: 92 votes (64.34%)
No: 51 votes (35.66%)
Total Votes: 143

Source 2

Examine the following two websites:

From The Heartland Institute: Climate Change 101: The Evidence Humans Aren't Destroying the Climate

From RedState: Climate Change 101: The Evidence Humans Aren't Destroying the Climate

Complete the following: 

1. Write out five ways in which these sites are either similar or dissimilar. 

2. Write down at least five questions you should ask, or leads you should follow, if you wanted to use either of these sites in your science paper.  

Source 3

source 3 screenshot

What Evidence Would Pursuade You that Man-Made Climate Change is Real? 

Take a look at this article. Follow some of the links the author has provided.

Be prepared to discuss:

1. How credible are the links in this source? Be prepared to defend your answer.

2. What clues do the links provide about the source?

3. Write down at least five questions or leads you would follow to learn more about this source. 

Source 4

cover of book, The End of Doom

The End of Doom: Environmental Renewal in the Twenty-First Century

Be prepared to discuss:

1. What kind of source is this? 

2. What steps can you take to learn more about this source? 

Rate this source:

Based on what know about this source right now, would you use it on your science paper?
Yes: 29 votes (38.16%)
No: 47 votes (61.84%)
Total Votes: 76

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