You will examine three different sources - one source that would be considered scholarly, one source that is credible but not scholarly, and one source that would not be considered credible for use in an academic paper. After completing a worksheet on each source, can you identify which is which?
Instructions
When looking up various scientific topics, including the example topic this week on technology and food production in the U.S., you will find all kinds of information out there. Not all of it is reliable. In order to determine if a source provides credible information, you will need to take the time to evaluate that source first before you can trust its content. Who is the intended audience of the source? Who is the author or publisher and what is their purpose for publishing the resource? These are examples of the questions you will want to ask yourself when evaluating a source.
Examine these three sources and fill out the following worksheet for each one. You will be determining what type of source it is (scholarly, credible non-scholarly, and non-credible), its level of credibility, and its possible value or use within the scientific conversation about technology and agriculture in the U.S.
To help you determine the credibility of a source, refer this quick video tutorial on Evaluating Sources for Credibility. Additionally, consult the strategies outlined in the CRAAP TEST. Keep in mind that you are evaluating the sources themselves and not the content within the source, or whether you agree with the positions or statements that are expressed within the source. Please write your answers in complete sentences.
Source Links
Source #1: http://www.saynotogmos.org/
Source #2: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0064879
Source #3: https://www.loc.gov/law/help/restrictions-on-gmos/usa.php