Personal Project Research & Evaluating Sources
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Source Sheets (Note Taking Google Doc for Research)
Do you want a google doc that helps you organize your research notes?
Evaluating Sources
There are different methods in evaluating sources. Here are a few different methods:
PROVEN Source Evaluation Process
SIFT
R U 4 Real Checklist
Purpose. Relevance. Objectivity
Overall, here are some guiding questions to consider:
What is the purpose for the source?
Why is it relevant to my inquiry needs?
How objective is the information? Is there any bias?
How accurate is the information? Can I find it in other places? Is it backed up with factual evidence?
What expertise does the author or source have?
How current or new is the information? When was it published?
ASSESSMENT: There are different methods of questioning. Here are TWO: The SIFT Method (Stop, Investigate, Find, & Trace) and the R U 4 REAL Checklist
Is it a useful source? How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is the goal of this source?
Want to review the SIFT method for evaluating your research?
Stop
First, stop and question....
Do you know who create the website?
Do you trust this source?
Investigate the Source
Then, ask yourself some questions:
What is the purpose of this site?
Is there a clear agenda or bias in how the information is delivered?
What is revealed if we look at the home page or about us section on the website?
What does Wikipedia say about the article? Take the URL down to the .com or .org and add a space and Wikipedia and see what comes up from Wikipedia about the source. See how long the publication has been around, circulation numbers as well as information that gives you an idea of the reputation of the source.
Find Better Coverage
If you doubt the claim made, are there other sources that cover the same story?
Is there a more credible source that can verify the information?
Does a reverse image search help verify information by right clicking on an image and then search image with Google Lens?
Trace Claims
Does the original source of the information say the same thing as the source you found?
Examples of Evaluating a Source
Example 1
"Understanding the 12 principles of animation." Adobe, www.adobe.com/creativecloud/animation/discover/principles-of-animation.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2022.
This article is published by Adobe, a multinational computer software company that specializes in multimedia programs for animation, video, graphics, illustration, and photography. While the company obviously is promoting its products on its site, the article reads more informative and educational about the 12 principles of animation; therefore, it seems reliable and consistent with the other sources on my bibliography.
Example 2
Hurtt, Chris. "Squash and Stretch: The 12 Basic Principles of Animation." Animation Mentor, 5 June 2017, www.animationmentor.com/blog/squash-and-stretch-the-12-basic-principles-of-animation/.
The article is written by a professional animator from the online animation school called Animation Mentor. This information is consistent from what I am seeing from other sources that I have consulted, so it seems reliable. The aim of the website is to educate individuals who are interested in animation; the information is presented in an unbiased way. The links are working and up-to-date and information is relatively recent from 2017.
Example 3
Cox, Shanoon. "10 Best 2D Animation Software in 2022 [Free/Paid]." Filmora, Wondershare, 5 Sept. 2022, filmora.wondershare.com/animated-video/best-2d-animation-software-for-beginners.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2022.
Wondershare is a technology group based out of China providing technical information for consumers. They produced a webpage geared toward people who use Filmora Video Editing software and include articles that could relate to their consumers' interests such as animation. The information is well organized and detail oriented and provides a good overview of different 2D animation softwares on the market.
Research Notes
Annotated Bibliography Instructions
Research Sources
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