Why is it important to evaluate sources for credibility, reliability, and bias? What are possible consequences for not evaluating sources for these items?

 

It is important to evaluate sources for credibility, reliability, and bias. Moreover, it is important to look at all three factors and examine why that is the case. First I will talk about credibility and reliability back to back, and then I will talk about bias. Now; the reason why it is important to evaluate sources credibility and reliability, is because it is essential to know if one has the correct information, when reviewing a topic. Some examples work that would revolve around these assessments, include when students are putting on presentations for class via power points, research papers, group projects, etc.

When presenting the information, those being presented too (the teacher, students, etc), should have a clear understanding of the information from a project, which produces a strong well rounded arguments, backed up by sources, which tie into the thesis statement, along with the arguments being made as well. If a source lacks credibility, there might be noticeable contradictions in the the work, which someone being presented to, may question.

Thus, this ends up hurting the reliability of the work. Speaking of reliability, if the credibility of the source, comes off as contradicting to the central argument of the research, then it is clear that the source is no longer reliable. Thus, for those who are working on projects and/or presentations for similar topics, it may a good idea to inform them about the lack of credibility for a source, and why they should not use it for their works, since it lacks credibility. This is how the importance of credibility and reliability go hand in hand. Next; it is important to talk about bias, when it comes to evaluating a source.

Although writers/founders of research work and articles can have good intentions, there are times, in which sources can have bias. Bias, is when someone favors a specific side or argument, based on reasons behind their person opinion, rather than facts. It is important to look out for these aspects in a research paper, so that an individual can distinguish. This helps to create equilibrium, in how work is presented. Moreover, it is important to evaluate a source for bias, not just because research and presentations should be based on facts rather than personal opinions, but also for the reason, of assessing why someone is biased.

When doing a presentation, a student can use a researcher having bias, to their advantage. For example; when discussing the presentation and the facts behind it, the student can also address where he or she sees the bias, how it potentially hurts some of their work/research, and how they need to do further research on the topic in the future. This is one of the reasons, as to why evaluating bias is important and how one can use it to their own advantage. Lastly, what are the possible consequences, for not evaluating the sources for these items?

When it comes to all three items, one of the biggest consequences of not evaluating sources, is a potential lack of trust among peers. One of the reasons why this might be the case, is because presenters are treated as professional. Thus, when they make a mistake, involving something such as lack of credibility and reliability or bias, it hurts their reputation, in the sense that people feel like the student, did not put as much effort into their research, as they could. Moreover, another possible consequence, is that (particularly when it comes to credibility), the student could be mistaken as one who is trying to pass of work as their own. And of course, consequences could range from suspension, to expulsion.

Step-by-step explanation

I arrived at my answer, through a strong analysis of the questions. Moreover, my own knowledge on the subject matter at hand, only aided in my responses as well. These two aspects are some examples, of how I arrived at a strong answer. Moreover, to make sure that my answer was efficient and well structured, I decided to focus on two factors; addressing the "how" and the "why", as well as proper formatting as well. First, I will discuss the importance of the "how" and the "why".

When answering the questions, the reason why these are essential to address, is because they help a student to understand, how the tutor came up with a well crafted answer. Moreover, addressing the "how" and the "why", demonstrates that to the student, the tutor clearly knows what they are talking about and discussing, in relation to the subject matter at hand. As for the format, I created my work in paragraphs, to make sure that the student can read my work, in a clear manner, so that there is no confusion as to where they left off, etc. Lastly, it is also important to talk about the answers themselves.

The questions were quite simple, since I have experience in credibility and reliability assessment for sources, etc. However, I still wanted to go in depth, to provide as strong of an answer as possible. For example; when I talked about bias, instead of making it surface level and talking about how it is bad, I also wanted to address how it could benefit students, to show that more research needed to be done on the matter. It is examples of in depth assessments such as these, that I came up with strong answers that went beyond what the questions were asking me, from a surface level perspective.