Honors ELA 9: Source Credibility

One great benefit of using the school databases is that they make the job of evaluation much easier.  This is due to the fact that they are designed for students and published by specialists. They also enable you to search different document and publications types, and offer useful search features, such as filters, primary source documents and citation formatting tools, to name a few. 

When you search for information on the internet, however, you can never be completely sure if a source meets the credibility standards required by your school.  Consequently, you must take the time to evaluate the information you find using the criteria listed below.  If you don't, you run the risk of using information that is inaccurate, inappropriate, outdated and lacking in credibility or authority.

• Look for websites ending in .edu, .gov, and *.org
• Be extra cautious of .com, .net., .info sites
• Check background sources such as author, creator, and/or organization, does the article offer verifiable links, copyright date etc.
• Watch out for bias - Does the article present both sides of an issue?
• Do not take information from blogs, sponsored articles, opinion pieces, etc. 
• Is Wikipedia a good source? 

Finding an image using Google:

1. Search Google Images

2. Select "Images" on top box 

3. Select "Tools" on top box 

4. Click on "Usage Rights"

5. Choose:  "Labeled for noncommercial reuse with modifications"

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