Guiding Questions

Evaluating Credibility #4

Worksheet Description

The “Evaluating Credibility” worksheet is an instructive resource that guides students through the critical evaluation of sources for their research. The worksheet poses key questions that target fundamental aspects of source evaluation, such as the author’s credibility, the currency of the information, the author’s purpose, and the relevance of the source to the audience.

Students are prompted to scrutinize the qualifications and reputation of the author, as well as their ability to provide verifiable evidence for the claims made. They are also urged to consider the timeliness of the source, especially in fields where information changes rapidly, like technology.

The worksheet further encourages students to assess the objectivity of the author and the potential bias in the presentation of information, highlighting the importance of understanding the author’s intent and perspective. It also invites students to think about the types of sources their own audience will find credible, emphasizing the need to select information that aligns with the expectations and standards of their intended readers.

By systematically addressing each question, students learn to discern the quality and reliability of information, a critical skill in navigating the vast array of available content. The worksheet is structured to foster analytical thinking, ensuring students develop the habit of not just gathering information, but also critically assessing its worth.