"I just used the first link I found." WHAT? NOOOOOOOO!
Not all sources of information are good. Some are very, very, very bad. You have to look closely and choose the ones that have the most accurate and reliable information. Otherwise, you could be basing your research on inaccuracies. You won't get a good grade if you turn in a research essay with incorrect information! So, how do you know what is good? Look for the following things:
1. Is the author an expert?
2. Is the publisher well-known?
3. Is the information too old? Is it too new, like updated five minutes ago?
4. Is the author trying to persuade you, entertain you, or just give you the facts? Is she or he giving you all the facts or just half of the story?
5. Are there spelling mistakes? Internet slang like "LOL"?
You have to consider these things. It will help you find good and trustworthy information! Use CAPOW to help you:
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C - Currency (age of information) A - Authority (who wrote it? A university professor? A professional journalist? Some random dude?) P - Purpose (is the author writing to inform, entertain, or persuade?) O - Objectivity (is the author fair and balanced?) W - Writing Style (if the author's writing is messy, chances are so is the information) |
