Evaluating Information

When doing an assignment you will find information from lots of sources. Just being in print or available via the internet doesn't guarantee that something is accurate or good research. Whether searching for information or reading up on your results you need to think critically about that information and evaluate it before including or citing it in an assignment.

Getting started:

• Look for research published in scholarly journals or sources that need to meet a range of standards before publication
• Look for materials on websites that focus on academic resources (e,g, Google Scholar or CORE)
• Use the TU Dublin Library resources and/or request help from your Liaison Librarian.

Consider what others have said on the topic:

• do they provide evidence for their views
• are the information sources or views expressed showing bias?
• how it relates to other materials you have read on the subject,
• are they qualified to claim expertise on this topic?

Always identify the useful and weak or dubious aspects of an argument;  you don’t have to accept everything you read as being completely accurate. Compare opinions by respected writers in the field. With practice you'll begin to recognize themes, issues and possible contradictions.

Think critically:

When it comes to using general sources, especially from non-academic sources such as social media, newspapers and websites you should be aware of:

• Generalizations (e.g. most people agree… just because everyone agrees doesn't mean it's correct!)
• False assumptions lacking in evidence
• Unconscious bias (e.g. managers are always men).
• Misinformation and disinformation
• Filter bubbles or echo chambers (reinforcing your existing opinion

Image from: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/umgang-mit-desinformation/disinformation-definition-1911048