AP Seminar

Advanced Placement Seminar building critical thinking and research methodology.

Understanding ArgumentsEvaluating SourcesQuestioning and Inquiry
Research MethodologySynthesizing Multiple PerspectivesAssessing Arguments and Logical Fallacies
Creating a Research ProposalCollaborative Team ProjectsPresenting Research Findings
Time Management for ResearchEffective Note-TakingPreparing for AP Assessments
Understanding Argume...Evaluating SourcesQuestioning and Inqu...Research MethodologySynthesizing Multipl...Assessing Arguments ...Creating a Research ...Collaborative Team P...Presenting Research ...Time Management for ...Effective Note-Takin...Preparing for AP Ass...
Basic Concepts

Evaluating Sources

How Do You Know If a Source Is Reliable?

Not all information is created equal! Evaluating sources means checking if the evidence you use is trustworthy, accurate, and relevant.

Key Criteria

  • Authority: Who wrote it? Are they an expert?
  • Accuracy: Is the information correct and up to date?
  • Purpose: Why was it created? Is there bias?
  • Relevance: Does it fit your research topic?

Spotting Red Flags

Watch out for sensational language, lack of author, or missing references.

Application

Whether writing a research paper or sharing news online, using credible sources keeps your work trustworthy.

Examples

  • Researching climate change, you select articles from peer-reviewed journals over random blogs.

  • Double-checking facts before sharing a viral news story.

In a Nutshell

Evaluating sources ensures you're using accurate and trustworthy information.

Key Terms

Bias
A tendency to favor a particular perspective, often in a way considered to be unfair.
Peer-reviewed
A process where experts review scholarly work before it's published.
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Questioning and Inquiry