Is it a reliable source?

Which of the following is considered a reliable source for a research paper?

• A personal blog

• A peer-reviewed journal article

• Wikipedia

• A social media post written by a psychic cat.

Answer explanation

Peer-reviewed articles undergo rigorous evaluation by experts in the field, making them a reliable source of information.

What makes a source unreliable for research purposes?

• Extensive citations and references

• A well-known author

• Recent publication date

• Lack of transparency and credibility

Answer explanation

Unreliable sources often lack verifiable information and credibility.

Which of the following is a characteristic of an unreliable source?

• It is available in a reputable library database

• The source has been peer-reviewed

• The author's qualifications are unknown

• Multiple credible sources corroborate the information

Answer explanation

Reliable sources typically have authors with recognized expertise in the subject.

What is a common characteristic of reliable sources?

• They are free to access online

• They are often opinion-based

• They are up-to-date but lack historical context

• They provide clear citations and references

Answer explanation

Reliable sources should have proper citations to verify their information.

What should you consider when evaluating the reliability of a source?

• The source's title and publication date

• The source's formatting and layout

• The source's length and word count

• The source's use of colorful images and graphics

Answer explanation

These elements can give you important information about the source's relevance and currency.

What is a key indicator of a reliable source?

• Number of social media followers
• Length of the article
• Number of images in the source
• A transparent and balanced presentation of information

Answer explanation

Reliable sources strive to present information objectively and without bias.

Which of the following is a common feature of unreliable sources?

• A well-structured and organized layout

• A bibliography listing credible references

• An emotional or inflammatory language

• Extensive use of charts and graphs

Answer explanation

Unreliable sources often use emotional language and may rely on sensationalism rather than facts.

Which source would NOT be considered a reliable British Literature research source?

• University website
• A book about the history of British Literature

• Personal blog
• Scholarly journal

Answer explanation

Personal blogs may lack peer review and could contain biased or unverified information.

Which of the following is a common sign of an unreliable source?

• A clear and transparent methodology

• A list of reputable sources that contradict its claims

• A website with a domain name ending in ".edu"

• A font choice that looks like it was designed by a squirrel on a caffeine binge.

Answer explanation

Reliable sources typically have professional and legible formatting, while unreliable ones may use unconventional fonts and designs.

Why should you be cautious when citing Wikipedia in your research paper?

• Wikipedia articles are always up-to-date and accurate.

• Information on Wikipedia can be edited by anyone and may lack proper citations.

• Wikipedia is a peer-reviewed source.

• Wikipedia articles often include humorous dad jokes to entertain readers.

Answer explanation

While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for research, it should be used cautiously and supplemented with more reliable sources due to its collaborative and editable nature.