Finding and Evaluating Sources
| Learning Objectives: - Identify and evaluate types of evidence.
- Identify and evaluate credible sources.
- Identify reliable online sources.
|
LESSON
Providing credibleDescribes a person who is trusted and able to be believed; reliable. evidenceFacts, statistics, or expert testimony that supports a claim. is essential for the success of any analysisTo analyze is to make a thoughtful and detailed study of something. An analysis is the end result of analyzing. or opinion-based argumentA set of statements or reasons making a case for or against something.. Evidentiary supportEvidence that supports the claims or viewpoints expressed in an essay and helps convince readers that an argument has merit. Evidentiary support may take the form of facts and statistics, expert opinions, or anecdotal evidence. is especially crucial to the effectiveness of a persuasion essayA writing that takes a position for or against something and tries to convince the reader to accept the same view. Also called an argument essay. because you are trying to convince your readers that your argument has merit. In this lesson, you will learn the types of evidence you can use to support your arguments and how to identify and evaluate evidence.
Types of Evidence
You will come across three major types of evidence in your researchThe use of outside sources as well as investigations and observations in order to form ideas and support claims. Also, the information obtained from such efforts.: factsA piece of information that can be proven. Something that is true and indisputable. and statisticsA numerical value that provides information about something., expertSomeone who is very knowledgeable about a topic. opinionPoint of view that shows a personal belief or bias and cannot be proven to be completely true., and anecdotal evidenceA brief, interesting story that supports a claim in a critical analysis or persuasion essay.. You need to understand that not all evidence is considered equally strong. Facts and statistics are considered the strongest type of evidence you can use in support of your arguments, followed by expert opinions. Use anecdotal evidence when facts, statistics, and expert opinion are not available or in conjunction with the other types.
Facts are those things that cannot be argued. An example of a fact is the statement, "It is twenty degrees outside today." It would be twenty degrees no matter who measures the temperature. Compare this with an opinion, such as "the cold weather is miserable." The latter can be disputed; it is not fact that the cold is miserable. Not everyone would agree with that statement, and it is not supported by empirical, scientific evidence.
Statistics are numbers and amounts determined through logical analysis and collection of facts. For example, the U.S. unemployment rate fell from 7.2 percent in September 2013 to 6.6 percent in January 2014.
Remember, as with all support, all facts and statistics that you use as evidence must come from credible sourcesA person, book, article, or other thing that supplies information..
Expert opinion is relied upon a great deal in both the legal and academic worlds. Not only is it considered convincing and reliable evidence in certain kinds of civil and criminal trials, academics often rely upon the opinions of learned professionals in supporting the claimsA statement that something is true, such as the thesis of an essay. A successful writer must present evidence to prove his/her claim. of their papers or presentations.
An example of expert opinion evidence is, "Dr. Bruce Williamson, the country's leading expert in furry black mold research, believes that furry black mold is responsible for a larger amount of all upper respiratory infections in large urban areas than current research suggests."
As with statistical evidence, however, be certain to verify the credibility of your expert opinion evidence. Only use that expert opinion which is deemed accurate and relevant to your argument.
An anecdote is a short story regarding a real-life person or event. Anecdotal evidence differs from facts and statistics and expert opinions in that it is often informally gathered by an individual or group rather than by scientific study or research.
An example of anecdotal evidence is, "I have resided in northern Michigan for thirty years and I can tell you, this winter has been one of the coldest, snowiest, and windiest we've had in over a decade."
While anecdotal evidence is not necessarily grounded in undisputed facts, logical analysis, or learned reasoning, it still possesses persuasive power. Utilizing the personal human experience as a means of relaying information can make your argument more relatable for your reader. Be sure, however, to select anecdotal evidence that is relevant to your argument and grounded in reasonable thought or universal understanding of a situation.
Ask yourself these questions to identify and evaluate credible sources.
In addition to identifying the kinds of evidence that are most relevant and reliable for your writing, you need to consider the sources from which the evidence comes. For example, suppose you want to use a statistical study from an academic journal. Once you have established that the statistics and data themselves appear to be valid and appropriate for your paper, consider the following questions in order to establish the credibility of the source:
This is important to consider because sources that are published by legitimate and recognizable publishers will be considered more reliable and accurate than those put out by unknown publishing houses. As you continue in your chosen field of study, you will learn the trusted publishers in your field. If you are unsure whether a publisher is legitimate, be sure to check with your instructor or a research librarian. Understanding who published the work can also help you to determine if there may be any issues of biasIn writing, bias indicates a writer's personal prejudice for or against an idea, person, activity, or object. Being objective, or displaying no tendency toward a preference, is the opposite of showing bias..
In reviewing the authorship of a source, take into account three factors:
- Credentials: What degrees or professional affiliations do the authors or experts have that support their status as reliable sources for this issue?
- Reputation: Is the individual or group who put out the evidence being cited in your argument reputed to be an "expert," "lead," or "specialist" in the relevant field of study? Is he or she well-respected among peers and in related communities? Does the author have any known biases or conflicts of interest that could put objectiveness at risk?
- Institution: Is the author employed by any particular institution that may provide his or her opinion with a greater degree of authority?
ArticlesA non-fiction, often informative writing that forms a part of a publication, such as a magazine or newspaper. written and studies conducted in the recent past are likely to be more current and more persuasive than those published a long time ago. This will be more important in certain fields like science and technology than in history and literature.
- Who is the intended audienceThe group of people a writer expects to read a text. Writers use specific language, details, and examples to speak directly to their intended audience. For example, you would write and organize your work differently if your audience was a group of experts in the field of your work than if it was a group of undergraduate students being introduced to the topic.?
Identifying the intended audience can help you to determine if the article you wish to rely upon is potentially biased. For example, if the article is reviewing the study of a recently approved drug and is written by the pharmaceutical company for physicians, you may want to consider the potential for bias. The data may be skewed or presented in such a way that its intention is to convince physicians to endorse a certain drug rather than setting forth impartial evidence regarding the effectiveness or overall safety of the drug itself.
- Does it cite other sources?
Authors that have included in-text citationsInformation about a source, such as the author, date, and page number, in an essay or research paper that helps readers find the source in the works cited or references page. There are different rules for how to use in-text citations depending on the context of the citation and the style of formatting you are using. and a works cited pageAn alphabetized list of publication information about the sources used in an MLA-formatted essay or research paper. or references pageAn alphabetized list of publication information about the sources used in an APA-formatted essay or research paper. in their articles (as you yourself will have to provide) likely have an additional layer of credibility, as they have used the published work of others to support their arguments and claims. Depending on the source, this information may take the form of endnotes and footnotes.
- Are the source's sources credible?
You need to make sure that the information your source is using is reliable, as well. This is an issue particularly when the source you wish to use is not peer-reviewedWritings that have been evaluated by experts in a subject before they are published. or published by a known and credible publisher, or where the author is making claims that are perhaps outside the "norm" for that particular field or industry.
- How is the source funded?
This question again gets to the issue of bias. When a source has been funded by an organization, company, or even individual who may have a vested interest in the success of the source or the persuasiveness of the claim, proceed with caution. For instance, a cancer research center funded by cigarette companies may not be the best place to get information on the relationship between smoking and lung cancer.
- What is the writing style?
The writing style can often tell you a great deal about the source of the article. For example, those articles that are formally written are more likely to be from a peer-reviewed journal. Articles written in a more colloquialInformal language. or informal tone are probably from a popular media source and are therefore less suitable as support in an academic essayA short piece of writing that focuses on at least one main idea. Some essays are also focused on the author's unique point of view, making them personal or autobiographical, while others are focused on a particular literary, scientific, or political subject. .
- Is the source scholarly or popular?
Scholarly, peer-reviewed journals are not the only type of credible source; however, some instructors may request that you limit your sources to such journals. Journals are often more field-specific and are comprised of articles by scholars, academics, and professionals from that field. Journals are comparatively plainer-looking than popular media and contain no advertising. Popular media, on the other hand, often includes advertisements and other visual illustrations or photographs, and is made up of articles and stories that are more news-oriented, journalistic, and opinionated than those found in an academic journalA scholarly periodical that publishes peer-reviewed research in a particular area of study..
Keep in mind that some instructors may require you to use peer-reviewed, scholarly materials as evidentiary sources. In those cases, don't immediately discount non-peer-reviewed materials. While you may not be able to cite those materials or use them as evidentiary support for your thesis, non-peer-reviewed articles can provide you with links to peer-reviewed materials as well as informative background Information that describes the history or circumstances of a topic. information.
Identifying Credible Online Sources
Because a great deal of the research you will find yourself conducting in the process of writing a persuasion essay will be online, you must understand how to identify online sources that are credible. Avoid certain online sources that may be informative and helpful for your overall understanding of a subject but are not appropriate as cited sources for a paperAn academic essay that usually includes research and citations..
One such example is Wikipedia, which is essentially an informal online encyclopedia. While Wikipedia is often credited for its expert contributions and wealth of data, most college instructors will not allow you to use information found on Wikipedia as a source in an academic essay since its materials are difficult to verify in terms of authorship and editing. Instead, use these websites as a starting point for your research. Many will link to reports and peer-reviewed research. Go to the actual source of the information and use that as evidence. To determine whether an online source is credible, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the source's domainAn abbreviation for a portion of the Internet that is connected in some way, such as by purpose or location. Domains are the last part of a website's URL. Examples include .org, .com, .edu, .us, and .de. ? The domain is the last bit of information in a website's URL, such as, .com, .net, or .org. The source's domain can help you to locate additional information about that site in order to determine its credibility. For example, when the domain ends in .edu, you know you are looking at an educational institution's website. When the domain ends in .gov, it is a government website. While a familiar and recognizable domain name does not by any means make a source credible in and of itself, be wary of strange and unusual domains. Remember that putting information on the web is unlike print publishing: anyone can do it. Verifying the source's domain is one essential step in determining its credibility.
- Is the site trying to sell something? As with print sources, be on the lookout for any potential bias in the source. Commercial sites may provide research materials but they are likely to present only those pieces that support their products or services. There are also instances in which personal or professional websites or blogsA website that hosts a series of articles, photos, and other postings, sometimes by a single writer (blogger) or by a community of contributors. contain advertisements or links to third-party sites where you can purchase items. Again, most personal and professional websites are promoting their own agenda.
- Is the site a news source? News source websites can be excellent places to find materials to support your arguments; nonetheless, these sites are not necessarily objective on all issues. While reputable news agencies will not lie about a news story, they can express bias by choosing to print some stories and not print others. Additionally, some news sites may permit third parties to publish opinion pieces that the source itself does not endorse. When using a news source, be careful to identify the author, date, and title of the piece you wish to use and verify its credibility.
Online databases can also be a valuable tool in your research. From paid databases that may be available through your school library to free databases such as Google Scholar, you may use the Internet to locate articles you have already identified or to search for more sources to complement those you already have. No matter what the reason, it is important to keep in mind that the reputation or reliability of an online database does not verify the credibility of a source. You must still assess each source's credibility independently.
+ PRACTICAL APPLICATIONThe skill of finding and evaluating sources is one that will serve you well both in school and the workplace. For example, imagine that your genetics instructor has asked you to research and write a persuasion essay regarding the ethics of cloning. If you decide to take the stance that cloning is an unethical practice given the known and unknown risks involved, it is essential that you find a number of sources to support the various main points of your argument and your overall thesisAn overall argument, idea, or belief that a writer uses as the basis for a work.. Finding credible evidence—in this case, peer-reviewed journal articles that contain facts and statistics and expert opinion—is essential to the success of your paper.
Now imagine that you are hired as an advertising executive, and your boss asks you to write an essay persuading her of the appeal of product A over product B. You will need to research and find evidence to support that position. Should you return to your boss and offer her the argument without credible evidence to support it, she will not be convinced of your argument and she will also be uncertain of the reliability of your work.
Here is an example of a thesis statement suitable for a persuasion essay followed by three exercises in assessing the credibility of sources.
Thesis: "Those who do not customarily use public transportation, eat locally grown food, and wear recyclable materials cannot claim they are serious about saving the environment."
Activity A
The following are four examples of evidence that would be suitable support for the thesis stated above. First, notice the type of evidence each piece of support is. At the end, read the list that ranks the evidence from strongest to weakest.
Review the examples and their explanations below.
- Leon Lewis
"Leon Lewis, state expert on economics and environmental sustainability, argues that in order to ensure that our planet is still here for our great-grandchildren, we must take a more active role in cutting down on pollution and recycle all recyclable materials."
This is an example of expert opinion evidence, which is generally not as strong as facts and statistical evidence but stronger than anecdotal evidence. Leon Lewis is described as the "state expert on economics and environmental sustainability," providing a certain measure of credibility to what he has to say.
- Public transportation percentage
"Research studies show that while it is difficult for people living in rural areas to commute using public transportation, if given a tax break, eighty percent of those residing in cities would agree to take the bus or subway to and from work."
This is an example of facts and statistical evidence, which is the strongest type of evidence. The statistical evidence provided in this example is that "research studies show…" that "if given a tax break, eighty percent…would agree to take the bus or subway."
- John Jacobs
"I interviewed some of our real citizens to get their perspective on recycling and the environment. John Jacobs, a scientist from LeHoway State, had this to share: 'My very first real memory is of my father getting on his bicycle to go to work. For as long as I know, we've always been an environmentally conscious family. We all recycle, wear clothes made from recycled material, ride our bikes, and eat locally grown products. At the same time, I know this isn't practical for everyone in the world to do.'"
This is an example of anecdotal evidence, which is generally the weakest type of supporting evidence. It is a quote from a "real citizen," telling us a little about his own experience with environmentalism. While it does provide a different dimension to the issue and grounds it in "reality," it is not fact, statistic, or expert opinion.
- Earth changes
"Each year, planet Earth experiences climate changes, the ozone layer continues to shrink, icebergs melt, and animal and plant-life species become extinct."
This is an example of facts and statistical evidence, which usually is the strongest type of evidence. What this writer presents is undisputable fact. This planet does change in terms of climate every year. The ozone layer is still shrinking. Icebergs are melting. We do contend with the extinction of animal and plant lives each year.
Now, consider the overall ranking of each of these pieces of evidence, from strongest to weakest:
- B - Public transportation - Facts and Statistics
- D - Earth changes - Facts and Statistics
- A - Leon Lewis - Expert Opinion
- C - John Jacobs - Anecdotal Evidence
Activity B
The following are pieces of evidence and information about the source. Using the same thesis provided above and based on the information provided, consider whether each of the five pieces of evidence is credible or not. Review the examples and their explanations below.
- "According to the Surgeon General, 'Making the commitment to purchasing organic food is not only the smart health decision, it is also beneficial to our environment.'"
Source: Dr. Gene Smith and Dr. Sarah Calle. (2012) "Why what we eat is going to determine how long our planet lives," Journal of Biology, Health and Environmental Sustainability.
This is credible evidence. It contains a quote from the Surgeon General, a verifiable expert in health. It is also quoted in a scholarly peer-reviewed journal and authored by two doctors of medicine. Finally, because it was written recently, it is sufficiently current to remain reliable.
- "When we asked locals about their feelings on the new recycling regulation, they practically laughed in our faces. 'I am now told that if I do not recycle my bottles and cans, I will be hit with a $500 fine from the city. That would be fine except there's nowhere to recycle in this town. Do they really expect us to drive to the next town over to dump our empties? Come on!' bellowed Jim Ballo, resident."
Source: Staff Writer, Eli Jones. (2001) "The new recycling regulation has citizens in a tizzy," The LeHoway Daily Times.
This is not credible evidence. Although it is published in a local newspaper, and may contain bits of fact, it is primarily anecdotal evidence. It is the opinion of a citizen of the town who is upset about the new recycling regulation. Therefore, it is likely biased, too. Additionally, this piece was written in 2001. It is not sufficiently current to be reliable at this time.
- "Three recent studies conducted at USA University demonstrate that approximately thirty-four percent of citizens would change their eating, shopping, and travel habits given a strong enough incentive. Of that thirty-four percent, nearly half described 'an annual tax break' as sufficient reason."
Source: Dr. Abbott Reynolds. (2009) "What the government can really do to effect change in consumer habits," The Journal of Environmental Causes and Change.
This is credible evidence. It offers data taken from three university studies. It is authored by a doctor and published in a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal. The only issue this evidence might present is the date—2009, which could be considered dated. Given the specificity of the issue and the research however, it is likely still reliable data.
- "Consumer surveys show that nearly all of locally grown products are purchased by the top twenty percent in gross income."
Source: Jennifer Jeans. (2007) "Only the rich buy local," Monthly Styles Magazine.
This is not credible evidence. While at first glance it may appear credible, there are several issues. First, the data cited as statistical evidence and its source are both vague. It is unclear what consumer surveys the author relies upon. Second, the article is published in Monthly Styles Magazine. Not only is it not an academic journal, it is a consumer fashion magazine. It is unlikely this topic is something the editors of a fashion magazine are all that familiar with or vested in. Third and finally, this piece is several years old; this contributes to the lack of credibility present here.
Activity C
The following are online sources. Using the same thesis provided above and based upon the information provided, consider whether each of the six online sources is credible or not and why.
Review the examples and their explanations below.
- "Commonly, 'local food' refers to food produced near the consumer…However, because there is no universally agreed-upon definition for the geographic component of what 'local' or 'regional' means, consumers are left to decide what local and regional food means to them. A 2008 survey found that half of consumers surveyed described 'local' as 'made or produced within a hundred miles' (of their homes), while another 37 percent described 'local' as 'made or produced in my state.'"
Source: Grace Communications Foundation. (2014) "Local & Regional Food Systems," Sustainable Table. http://www.sustainabletable.org/254/local-regional-food-systems
This is likely not credible evidence. The online source itself is a public interest group and thereby inherently biased toward its own interest (here, environmental sustainability). The specific piece published on the website refers to a "study," but it is not cited in any other way, so it is difficult to know if their own sources are credible. In situations like this, it is best to assume that there may be bias.
- "Sustainable transport systems make a positive contribution to the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of the communities they serve."
Source: Wikipedia. (2014)
This is not credible evidence. The example comes from Wikipedia. While it may be useful for background information, it should not be used for evidentiary support.
- "Findings indicate that environmental awareness was significantly related to attitude toward recycling, whilst attitude and social norms had significant impact on recycling behavior. However, convenience and cost of recycling were not significant reasons for recycling."
Source: T. Ramayah, J. Wai Chow Lee and Shuwen Lim (2012) "Sustaining the environment through recycling: An empirical study," Journal of Environmental Management. www.sciencedirect.com
This is credible evidence. Sciencedirect is a database, providing abstracts and full copies of articles from primarily peer-reviewed journals to its subscribers. Nonsubscribers are able to use it to view abstractsA summary of an article often written by the author and reviewed by the editor of the article. The abstract provides an overview of the contents of the reading, including its main arguments, results, and evidence, allowing you to compare it to other sources without requiring an in-depth review. , generally. The example itself is from a peer-reviewed journal article published in 2012. As such, it is reliable evidentiary support.
- "So, we can all agree that cars, and car-driven public policy, is bad for us in the sense that it is actively destroying the planet and reinforcing unhealthy sedentary lifestyles."
Source: Max Read. (2013) "Public transportation isn’t just about saving the environment," Gawker. http://gawker.com/public-transportation-isnt-just-about-saving-the-enviro-866681969
This is not a credible source. Gawker is a website with the tagline, "Today's gossip is tomorrow's news." In reviewing its "content guidelines," it appears that anyone is able to publish a story to the site. While it may be topical and interesting to read, this example is entirely unreliable and unverifiable.
Now that you've seen these activities worked through, try them yourself. Here is another thesis statement suitable for a persuasion essay:
Thesis: "Dog owners should not be permitted to walk their dogs off-leash in urban neighborhoods, except in those areas specifically designated for such use."
Activity A
The following are five pieces of evidence that would be suitable support for the thesis stated above. First, identify what type of evidence each piece is and why. At the end, rank the evidence from strongest to weakest evidence.
- Dog exercise percentage
"According to a study published by the Society for the Humane Treatment of Animals and Pets, over fifty-five percent of all dogs do not receive the amount of exercise recommended by veterinarians and animal physiology scholars. For some breeds, this lack of activity can result in 'unwanted and aggressive behavior toward humans and other animals.'"
What type of evidence is this? Is it strong? Why or why not?
This is an example of facts and statistical evidence, which tends to be the strongest type of evidence. The cited study provides a statistical figure that fifty-five percent of dogs do not receive enough exercise.
- Amy Childs
"'The shutting down of the local dog parks due to lack of city funding is a travesty,' says Amy Childs, citizen of Urban City and dog owner. 'Not only do I now have to drive to another town to let my dog off-leash, most of the time I can't even make the trip because there's not enough time after work.'"
What type of evidence is this? Is it strong? Why or why not?
This is an example of anecdotal evidence, which is usually considered the weakest type. It's a personal account of one dog owner's experience and feelings regarding the shutting down of local dog parks. While the human voice adds a personal and relatable element to the argument, the writer should try to add facts, statistics, and expert opinion to bolster this anecdote.
- Stuart and Black
"Studies being conducted at the prestigious and reputable Institute for Animal Behavior and Obedience support the argument that dogs need exercise but also the freedom to run off-leash from time to time. Doctors Gayle Stuart and John Black, the primary investigators for these studies and leading experts in animal obedience, argue that absent this freedom, dogs become 'depressed, anxious, or aggressive.'"
What type of evidence is this? Is it strong? Why or why not?
This is an example of expert opinion evidence, which is generally considered less strong than facts and statistical evidence but stronger than anecdotal evidence. The experts are both the Institute for Animal Behavior and Obedience and its doctors. The doctors offer their opinion that their current study provides evidentiary support for the argument that dogs need time off the leash or they will become "depressed, anxious, or aggressive."
- Dog park survey
"Seven out of ten dog owners utilize the local dog parks for exercising and socializing their dogs, according to a 2014 door-to-door city survey."
What type of evidence is this? Is it strong? Why or why not?
This is an example of facts and statistical evidence, which tends to be regarded as the strongest type of evidence. The statistic offered in the example is that seven out of ten dog owners use dog parks. Since this evidence is based upon statistical reasoning, it is considered highly credible.
- Betty Bloom
"Recently, leading scholar in animal aggression and violence Dr. Betty Bloom was quoted as saying the following about walking dogs off leash: 'It is important to give your dog time away from you and time away from the lead. A little independence, fast moving, and socialization with other dogs does wonders for the dog's disposition and provides the owner with a brief respite, as well."
What type of evidence is this? Is it strong? Why or why not?
This is an example of expert opinion evidence, which is generally not seen as strong as facts and statistical evidence but stronger than anecdotal evidence. The expert in this example is Dr. Betty Bloom, leading scholar in animal aggression and violence.
Now, rank of each of these pieces of evidence, from strongest to weakest.
- A - Dog exercise percentage - Facts and Statistics
- D - Dog park survey - Facts and Statistics
- C - Stuart and Black - Expert Opinion
- E - Betty Bloom - Expert Opinion
- B - Amy Childs - Anecdotal Evidence
Activity B
The following are examples of evidence and information about each source. Using the same thesis provided above and based on the information provided, determine if each of the pieces of evidence is credible or not.
- "Pursuant to the 2009 and 2010 studies around animal depression, it has been suggested that up to sixty percent of all dogs receive less than adequate exercise and socialization with other animals."
Source: Dr. Chad Martin. (2011) "Animals need to run with friends, too," Animal Psychology Journal.
Is this evidence credible? Why or why not?
This is credible evidence. It includes statistics, the article is authored by a physician, and it is from a recently published scholarly peer-reviewed journal.
- "Recently, the city board passed a more restrictive off-leash regulation for dogs. While non-dog owners are 'thrilled' and 'relieved' according to the local buzz, dog owners are 'irritated,' 'annoyed,' and even 'angry.'"
Source: Staff Writer, Bob Winters. (2014) "Should we tighten the grip on dog walking?" The Urban City Gazette.
Is this evidence credible? Why or why not?
This is not credible evidence. It provides snippets of anecdotal quotes, which are generally the weakest types of evidence. Published in a daily newspaper, this piece is likely an opinion article.
- "The canine species is particularly sensitive to changes in schedule and habit. Recent studies conducted by the Canine Institute have provided evidence to support that something as elementary as ceasing a dog's daily off-leash walks can cause that dog to feel abandoned, sad, depressed, and anxious."
Source: Simon Watson and Jean Seller. (2013) "The sensitivity of the canine species," Journal of Animal Psychology and Behavioral Mapping.
Is this evidence credible? Why or why not?
This is credible evidence. It is expert opinion that is academic in tone and is published in a scholarly peer-reviewed journal from a recent year.
- "'Some scholars have gone as far as to attribute human-like characteristics to dogs. I do not believe we have the research to back that up at this time. What I will say is this—specific breeds of dog are very needy with respect to attention, love, exercise, and freedom,' states world-renowned animal psychic, Eric Dotson."
Source: Melinda Peters. (2007) "Can we tap into the minds of our dogs?" The Weekly Chronicle.
Is this evidence credible? Why or why not?
This is not credible evidence. The quote itself is vague in its reference to research. While there may be temptation to define this as expert opinion, it's important to remember to approach expert status carefully. I don't think an animal psychic is the most credible animal expert for this topic.
Activity C
The following are online sources. Using the same thesis provided above and based upon the information provided, determine if each of the online sources is credible or not and why.
- "Some dogs have special fears that may compromise their off-leash safety – for example, some dogs will run blindly at the sound of anything that sounds like a gun, including a distant backfiring car. Others may have strong drives that can lead them astray, such as the…sight of a rabbit running...Get to know your dog's limits, understand what motivates him, and anticipate when and where you may have problems."
Source: Mardi Richmond. (2002) "Building off-leash reliability," The Whole Dog Journal. http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/5_3/features/5440-1.html
This is a website devoted to stories written for pet owners about dog care. There is no "About Us" section that describes the authorship of the articles. It does not include advertising. It does not require a subscription to read the articles, but paid subscriptions are available to access the archives, receive print copies, or receive additional guides.
Is this source credible? Why or why not?
This could be a credible source. It is from the website of a non-peer-reviewed journal. While The Whole Dog Journal seems more like a consumer magazine regarding issues of dog health and ownership, it does not appear to present any issues of bias. Finally, this article was written more than a decade ago; it is likely there exists a more current (and credible) source.
- "This qualitative research explored the relationship between dog ownership and dog-related, social, environmental, and physical environmental factors associated with walking with a dog."
Source: Hayley E. Cutt, et al. (2008) "Barriers and motivators for owners walking their dog: results from qualitative research," Health Promotion Journal of Australia. http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/HE08118.htm
The journal is published on behalf of the Australian Health Promotion Association, which is affiliated with the government.
Is this source credible? Why or why not?
This is a credible source. While the foreign status of the journal could pose issues for other topics, for this particular topic it is irrelevant. The article is published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal in 2008.
- "While there is evidence to suggest that dog ownership produces considerable health benefit and provides an important form of social support that encourages dog owners to walk, there is limited evidence on the physical environmental and policy-related factors that affect dog owners walking with their dog."
Source: Hayley E. Cutt, et al. (2007) "Dog ownership, health and physical activity: A critical review of the literature," Health & Place. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1353829206000062
Sciencedirect.com is a database, providing abstracts and full copies of articles from primarily peer-reviewed journals to its subscribers. Nonsubscribers have access to some of its material. Health & Place is an international journal that is frequently cited in scholarly articles. It is peer-reviewed and has been published since 1995.
Is this source credible? Why or why not?
This is a credible source. It comes from a scholarly peer-reviewed journal and was written in 2007. This does date the source, so it might be wise to search for a more current piece of evidence.
- "Dog aggression stems from the dog's frustration and dominance. The dog's frustration comes from a lack of dog exercise, and the dog's dominance comes from a lack of calm-assertive leadership."
Source: Cesar Millan. (2014) "Understanding dog aggression," Cesar's Way. http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/problembehaviors/understanding-aggression#ixzz2wkHxsVwG
Cesar Millan, otherwise known as "The Dog Whisperer," is a well-known expert on dog behavior. His website features links to many advertisers, related to dogs and not, and products of his own for purchase.
Is this source credible? Why or why not?
This is probably not a credible source. It is unclear the extent to which his fame and public persona impact the credibility of the material on his website. His website, while the source of some useful data regarding the subject matter, is full of advertisements and links to purchase unrelated products and materials. This detracts from the credibility of this website and the above article.
Why is it important to use credible sources?
It is important to use credible sources because they provide you with the strongest evidentiary support for your argument and additional arguments. People will not believe your claims if you do not support them with outside sources.
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