What is a Good Source?

I've noticed a trend in the way we go about finding sources for our presentations.
Step 1: Google
Step 2: Click on the first link
Step 3: ???
Step 4: I'll use it.

While these steps get the work done, there is absolutely no guarantee that your work is reliable. Without understanding what makes a good source, you're bound to use information that has no validity.  ANYONE can create a website. You've seen this first hand because I've shown you my own website. I would never recommend someone quote my words in scientific research unless I have cited sources that show truth and validity from researchers in the correct field.

So how can we tell if a source is reliable or useable?
Click here to read up on how to critically analyze a source.

Here is another source which gets more in-depth on how to analyze an online source.

Sites like Wikipedia and Ask.com are public forum sites. They can be edited by anyone, and no information is a guaranteed truth.

Your assignment is the following:
1. Read through the two sites linked above.
2. Go to Google and type in "Genetic Disorders"
3. Pick one of the websites in your search results and begin to analyze it using criteria you learned from the links above.
4. Type your results to each of the criteria in the "Website Evaluation Form" located in the class dropbox.
5. Resave your typed document as "Website Evaluation Form (your name)" in the class dropbox.

You should include information about: Scope, Audience, Timeliness, Authority, Documentation, Objectivity, Primary vs. Secondary Source, and Reference Sources