Computer Science Courses & Research

What is it? Why do I care? What does it really say?

You answer these three questions every time you use a source, whether you know it or not. As you choose sources for everything from 1st-year courses to major-specific research courses to real life, notice how you answer these questions to ensure your sources are really meeting your needs.

Quick reference for the three questions:

• What is it: What is the source type and author credibility?
  • Quick Wikipedia checks are okay!
• Why do I care: Does the source type and author credibility meet your needs?
  • Decide this at the beginning so you know whether to investigate or find something better.
• What does it really say: Perceive how the word choices influence the knowledge.
  • How slanted the word choice is can make a difference in how or why you would use it.