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POLI_SCI_395: Human Rights and the Environment (Suiseeya)

Evaluating Sources, General

Not all "articles" are the same! They have different purposes and different "architecture".

  • Original article – information based on original research
  • Case reports – usually of a single case
  • Technical notes -  describe a specific technique or procedure
  • Pictorial essay – teaching article with images
  • Review – detailed analysis of recent research on a specific topic
  • Commentary – short article with author’s personal opinions
  • Editorial – often short review or critique of original articles
  • Letter to the Editor – short & on subject of interest to readers

Evaluating Data

  • Is the data from a reputable source, with a track record of reliability?
  • Is the methodology, analysis method or data collection method appropriate and aligned with field standards?  
  • Is the sample size appropriate?  Are there missing values or inconsistencies?

Evaluating Think Tanks

Think tanks are research institutes or organizations that conduct research to advocate solutions to social problems.  They may be:

  • Non-partisan  (NBER, Rand Corporation)
  • Centrist  (Brookings Institute, PEW Research)
  • Liberal  (Center for American Progress, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
  • Conservative  (Cato Institute, Heritage Foundation)

Non-partisan is not synonymous with non-biased, however.  And bias is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is important to be aware of it.

Consider the following:

  • Check for an "about us" page.  Who writes for this organization.  Look for further info about authors.
  • What topics do they cover?
  • Is the purpose to share info or influence?
  • Is more than one side/perspective covered?
  • How is the organization funded?

Further information: