The Source And Your Topic

Evaluating Credibility #8

Worksheet Description

The “Evaluating Credibility of Sources” worksheet is an educational tool that guides students through the process of critically assessing the reliability and relevance of their research sources. It begins by prompting students to state their research question, ensuring that the evaluation of sources is purpose-driven and focused.

The worksheet then leads students through a series of questions that probe the relationship between the source and their topic, the intended use of the source, the authority of the author, the original purpose of the text, and the publication process of the material. These questions are designed to help students think analytically about the origins, context, and content of the information they are considering.

This exercise aims to instill in students a rigorous approach to evaluating sources, an essential skill in both academic and everyday contexts where information accuracy is paramount. By systematically addressing each aspect of source evaluation, students learn to discern the quality and trustworthiness of information, a critical step in conducting robust research.

The worksheet’s structured format makes it a valuable resource for educators to teach information literacy, fostering students’ ability to independently verify and validate sources throughout their academic endeavors and beyond.