How Current Is It?

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is a resource aimed at helping users to gauge the timeliness and relevance of a source in the context of their research. It prompts the user to reflect on the nature of their research question and whether the topic requires current information due to rapid and continual changes. The worksheet asks for the publication date of the source, its importance to the research, and the required currency of information. It also encourages consideration of whether and how a less current source might still be utilized.

The worksheet is designed to teach students the importance of source currency in research. It instructs them to consider the dynamics of their research topic and to evaluate how recent their sources need to be to ensure accuracy and relevance. Students learn to justify the necessity for up-to-date information in areas such as legal precedent or medical research. This process equips students with the ability to critically determine the suitability of a source’s publication date in relation to their specific research needs.