Evaluating Sources & Synthesizing Information

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What is the purpose of evaluating sources?

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To determine the credibility, reliability, and relevance of the information before using it in research or arguments.

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What is a correctly formatted in-text citation?

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An in-text citation should include the author's last name and the page number, e.g., (Stevenson 15).

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Define bias in the context of information evaluation.

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Bias refers to a disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.

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True or False: The presence of graphs and charts guarantees the truth of the information presented.

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False.

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What is the benefit of evaluating sources before reading them in full?

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Evaluating sources beforehand helps readers find higher-quality information more quickly.

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What is textual evidence?

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Textual evidence is evidence from a text that supports your claim.

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What are the key components of a credible source?

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Authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage.

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How can you identify bias in a source?

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Look for language that is emotionally charged, one-sided arguments, and lack of supporting evidence.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?

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Primary sources are original materials (e.g., interviews, original research), while secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources (e.g., reviews, articles).

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Why is it important to synthesize information from multiple sources?

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Synthesizing information allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a topic and helps to identify patterns and connections.