Credibility of sources

1. Credibility of sources NIS Aktobe, 2013

2. Criteria of credibility (RAVEN) • Expertise (does the source have specialised knowledge and does the situation demand it?) • Neutrality (is the source predisposed to support a particular point of view for reasons other than vested interest)

3. Criteria of credibility (RAVEN) "We kidded ourselves a while, we said: 'They won't stay, sometime they will be gone', but this isn't reality. And of course, the approach [to build] a multicultural [society] and to live side-by-side and to enjoy each other... has failed, utterly failed.“ Angela Merkel Chancellor of Germany

4. Criteria of credibility (RAVEN) “Most schools have rules about using cell phones. Students are allowed to have them but must abide by the rules concerning when and where to use them. But the bottom line is that having a cell phone is a very good thing”. From Robert Kennedy, former About.com Guide

5. Criteria of credibility (RAVEN) “New numbers just out today show that teenage drivers, the ones with brand new licenses, are more dangerous than anyone thought.” CNN - PAULA ZAHN NOW

6. Lies, damn lies and… • When presented with observational evidence (e.g. data or statistics) to support a claim, we need to be wary. If we are told: “a study has shown that…” we should think twice before we accept the conclusion that is drawn from it. • The most basic mistake in interpreting evidence is simply misrepresenting the data – deliberate distortion (i.e. making up evidence), accidental misinterpretation, and selectivity. • A more common error is drawing a conclusion from insufficient data. Every study has a margin of error and the smaller the study the greater this will be. • A constant danger in empirical studies is unrepresentative data. A study that has a sufficient quantity of data may nevertheless be flawed due to insufficient quality of evidence.

7. The camera never lies?

8. The camera never lies? • Images are often offered as concrete proof that a claim is true. However, there are three criteria that you need to bear in mind: • Relevance • Significance • Selectivity

9. Evaluating Internet Sources

10. Evaluating Internet Sources How did you find the page? How you located the site can give you a start on your evaluation of the site's validity as an academic resource. • Was it found via a search conducted through a search engine? Unlike library databases, the accuracy and/or quality of information located via a search engine will vary greatly.  Look carefully!

11. Evaluating Internet Sources What is the site's domain? The origination of the site can provide indications of the site's mission or purpose. The most common domains are: • .org: An advocacy web site, such as a not-for-profit organization. • .com : A business or commercial site. • .net: A site from a network organization or an Internet service provider.; • .edu: A site affiliated with a higher education institution. • .gov: A federal government site. • .il.us: A state government site, this may also include public schools and community colleges. • .uk (United Kingdom) : A site originating in another country (as indicated by the 2 letter code). • ~:The tilde usually indicates a personal page

12. Evaluating Internet Sources What is the authority of the page? Look for information on the author of the site. On the Internet anyone can pose as an authority. • Is the author's name visible? Does the author have an affiliation with an organization or institution? • Does the author list his or her credentials? Are they relevant to the information presented?  • Is there a mailing address or telephone number included, as well as an e-mail address? 

13. Evaluating Internet Sources Is the page current? This is both an indicator of the timeliness of the information and whether or not the page is actively maintained. • Is the information provided current? • When was the page created? • Are dates included for the last update or modification of the page? • Are the links current and functional?