Evaluating Sources

Thus far, you’ve participated in a ready-made Conversation in which all the sources have been provided for you. Now it’s your turn to move beyond these and come up with at least one other source on your own.

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I have yet to see a piece of writing, political or non-political, that does not have a slant. All writing slants the way a writer leans, and no man is born perpendicular.
E. B. White

As you look for another source, be choosy. Is it a convincing source, or a weak one? You should especially be on the lookout for bias. “Check your sources” is the first rule of journalism, and it might also be the first rule of argument. Choosing untrustworthy sources can result in weak assertions and unconvincing support. Maybe even worse, using sources that lack credibility can give the impression that you are trying to manipulate your audience.

When considering whether a source is credible or not, you need to figure out biases. This can be difficult at times, and some biases are more obvious than others, but there are a few basic questions that should help:



Questions to Detect Bias

  1. Where did the source appear? Was it a respected publication (online or print)?

  2. Does the writer or publication represent a specific political group, community, or corporation? (Follow the money.)

  3. Is the source written by a person well respected in his or her field? Or is the source a lesser-known figure offering a personal experience?