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.
- Whether it is a website or a scholarly journal article...
- Whether it is for a 1st-year course or real life...
Start noticing how you answer these questions to ensure your sources are really meeting your needs.
The Three Questions:
- What is it: What is the source type and author credibility?
- Quick Wikipedia checks are okay! You can also compare what other source say about that source.
- Why do I care: Does the source type and author credibility meet your needs?
- Decide this at the beginning so you know whether to read the material or find something better.
- What does it really say: Perceive how the word choices influence the knowledge.
- The author's word choices, included and excluded information, and the aim of the publication all make a difference in how or why you would use a source.
