Source Analysis, Synthesis, and Reflection
You've been given a list of topics related to university students to choose from. You must find 3 credible sources pertaining to your topic.
You must answer the questions provided on your source analysis page relating to each source
Goals
| Primary Research | Review |
|
These will report on data gathered and analyzed as part of a single original experiment. Identify primary research studies by reading the abstract and methods section. Did the authors collect and analyze data themselves? Then it's probably primary research. |
A review article will take a number of empirical articles, and perform some analysis. These articles are peer-reviewed.
Identify review articles by reading the title, abstract, and methods section. Do the authors describe how they found previous studies on the topic? Do terms like literature review, systematic review, scoping review, or meta-analysis appear in the title or abstract? Does the majority of the article summarize previous findings? Then it's probably a review article. |
What are the characteristics of credible evidence?
Type your answers below.
The Context of Information
Don't think of sources as good or bad. The value of information is determined by the context in which it is used.
For your assignment, you should use:
1. Sources that are credible
2. Sources that are reliable
3. Sources that are substantial
Consider the following:
1. Has your source been created by experts or people with substantial knowledge and experience in the topic area?
2. On what evidence is the information in your source based? Does your source reference credible information?
3. How is evidence presented? References? Links? Statistics? Quotations?
4. How deeply do your sources analyze the topic? Does it offer contrary opinions or previous thinking on the topic?
5. Is the information current? Do the arguments still apply to your topic?
Let's Discuss:
Audience
Every source has an intended audience. The audience determines the language, depth, and format of the source.
Consider the following:
1. Does your source use technical language? Is it written formally or informally?
2. Does your source provide a basic summary of the background to the topic? Does the author assume the reader already knows about the topic?
3. How specialized is the publication (journal, magazine, newspaper)?
4. What accompanies the information? Tables and graphs? Videos? Stock photos? Advertisements?
Purpose
Creating sources takes time and effort. Why did the creator create? Sources can be created to inform, persuade, entertain, or mislead, often in combination. Understanding a creator's purpose can help you evaluate the source.
Consider the following:
1. Is the source based primarily on verifiable facts? Does the author argue in favour of one perspective? If so, are alternatives addressed?
2. What is the tone of the source? Dull? Excited? Flashy? Compelling?
3. Does the source make broad claims or sweeping generalizations?
4. Who is the author? An academic? A non-profit? A government agency? A company?
5. What are the characteristics of the platform or publication? Are there ads? Who can contribute to it?
Let's Discuss:
Alberta Health Services. (2020). Social isolation and loneliness.
Elements to Evaluate
Practice:
Elements to Evaluate
Practice:
Elements to Evaluate
Practice:
Elements to Evaluate
Practice:
Developing a Search Strategy
Questions to consider:
Example
How do feelings of loneliness and isolation impact the academic achievement of university students?
Key concepts
Related terms
| Loneliness | Academic Achievement | University Students |
| isolation | success, grades, persistence | postsecondary, college, higher education |
Construct a search using OR/AND to combine terms
(loneliness OR isolation) AND (success OR grades OR achievement) AND (postsecondary OR college OR university)
Using LibrarySearch
Things to remember when using LibrarySearch:
Sign in to save searches, items, and to request materials.
Use the pin icon to save books and articles.
Use the filters on the right. You will use Availability, Resource Type, and Date filters most often.
Some items won't be available. You can request unavailable items using interlibrary loan.
When viewing an item record, scroll down to the Access Options section to get the item.
