Information Sources
Information Sources
The Validity of Information
The validity of information sources refers to the relevance and appropriateness of information in relation to its content, directness and strength with regards to the concepts and individual seeks to find. For information to be termed as valid, it must be dependable. Reliability means the source of the content must be dependable and trustworthy. The source must also be unquestionable and reputable. The reliability of data depends on factors such as, whether the information is a first account of events or report from second sources (Burke, & Christensen, 2010). Reliability also depends on the type of source that a research uses. There are two main types of sources: the primary and secondary source. The primary source represents a piece of information that was written during a time of study. The source that original writings and creative works.
A secondary source, on the other hand, refers to a document that emphasizes on analyzing primary sources (Chaffee, 2011). Secondary sources are removed from an actual event hence are less preferred as credible sources compared to the primary sources. In such a scenario, reliable data will be one in which the author had a first account with occurrences. Information sources that are valid are also based on facts and truths. Facts are available data that present snapshots of events, whereas truth refers to the reality behind the facts. It is vital that individuals seek for information that not only contains facts but also truths.
Determining Reliability
Determining the reliability of information requires that the writer engages in a series of tasks. First a writer should determine whether to use a peer-reviewed source or to use the internet. The peer-reviewed option is one of the ways to ascertain that one acquire reliable information. This is because articles that are peer reviewed have undergone a series of review processes thus affirmed as reliable (Chaffee, 2011). Peer reviewers review the accuracy of information provided in a piece of information and critique and experimental and conclusion made. However, it is a guarantee that students can access peer reviewed sources as most are found in private domains such as academic databases.
Internet sources can also be sources of reliable information if the author is credible. The author of a reliable source must be credible with appropriate credentials that enable him discuss the subject at hand. This means that a piece of writing without an author or organization is not credible hence unreliable. It is also vital to determine the author’s affiliation and the values and goals he holds. Other elements such as the experience of the author and his previous publications also play a vital role in ascertaining the credibility of a source of information. The reliability of information sources is also determined by the date of publication. Very old publications may be out dated and may not give current information. The credibility of a source can also be determined by the sources that the source has. A credible source has relied on other equally credible sources to come up with content. It is also vital that a researcher determines the bias inclination of the author (Burke, & Christensen, 2010). A credible information source is one where the author is objective in his writing. The author should not demonstrate emotional and personnel connection with the subject of discussion.
In conclusion, the key to generating quality content relates to the ability of writers to use quality sources to back up their content. Searching for quality sources should be a paramount task that all researchers should strive to find. Use of credible source for writing leads to one’s writing being declared credible too.
Reference
Burke, J.& Christensen, L.(2010). Educational research. SAGE publications
Chaffee, J. (2011). Thinking critically. Cengage learning
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