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Shay Clawson

It is important to critically analyze sources for many reasons. Not only do we want to make sure that the resources we are using are factual, have roots within the subject we are actively trying to use their paper for, and we want to make sure that they are a reputable source. Scholarly sources are more appropriate for academic research because of these reasons. Scholarly sources hold more weight in the specific subject that you are using the source for as they have multiple authors, who are in those fields, they have been published within a journal that is specific to the field, and they are actively showing research for that field.

In 2007, a journal article was published by Calkins and Kelley on the evaluation of Internet and scholarly sources. It looked at two different case studies, psychology undergraduate students, and history undergraduate students. I will be focusing on the psychology undergraduate students’ case study, specifically the CARS method that was used to understand whether a source was credible, accurate, reasonable, and had the support it needed to make the claims it was. This along with the SPECIAL acronym I brought up in the last discussion is a useful way to understand if a source should be used. The scholarly sources that we use for academic research should be held to both standards.

 

Calkins, S., & Kelley, M. R. (2007). Evaluating Internet and Scholarly Sources across the Disciplines: Two Case Studies. College Teaching, 55(4), 151–156. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27559337

 

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Structuring and Writing This Discussion Post

Step 1: Identify the Main Goal of the Assignment
The purpose of this discussion is to demonstrate your ability to critically evaluate sources and explain why scholarly sources are essential in academic work. Keep your focus on credibility, reliability, and evaluation methods.

Step 2: Plan a Two-Paragraph Structure
Your response should be organized into:

• Paragraph 1: Importance of critically analyzing sources

• Paragraph 2: Application of a scholarly study and evaluation methods

This structure ensures clarity and logical flow.

Step 3: Write the First Paragraph – Importance of Source Evaluation
In your opening paragraph:

• Explain why critical analysis of sources matters in academic research.

• Discuss what makes a source reliable (accuracy, relevance, reputation).

• Clearly differentiate scholarly sources from non-scholarly ones.

• Maintain a professional, academic tone throughout.

Step 4: Write the Second Paragraph – Apply Scholarly Research
In the second paragraph:

• Introduce the scholarly article and its purpose.

• Briefly describe the study and its relevance.

• Explain the evaluation method used (e.g., CARS method).

• Connect the method to how students can evaluate sources effectively.

• Show critical thinking by explaining why these standards matter.

Step 5: Properly Cite the Scholarly Source (APA 7)

• Format the reference correctly in APA 7 style.

• Ensure italics, capitalization, and punctuation are accurate.

• Double-check the citation before submitting.

Step 6: Review for Clarity and Academic Tone
Before submitting:

• Proofread for grammar and sentence flow.

• Ensure all ideas directly relate to evaluating scholarly sources.

• Avoid unnecessary repetition or informal language.

Step 7: Final Check Before Submission

• Confirm the discussion meets length and formatting requirements.

• Ensure the source directly supports your claims.

• Submit on time for full credit.

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Helpful Resources for Students

• Evaluating Sources (CARS Method): https://library.mit.edu/research-support/source-evaluation/

• Scholarly vs. Popular Sources: https://libguides.usc.edu/evaluating_sources/scholarly

• APA 7 Reference Guide: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html

• Academic Source Evaluation Tips: https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/

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