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ENGL 1102 - Dr. Erney - Spring 2024: Evaluating Information

Know Your Information

Please note: This image is not the product of Georgia Southern University. Courtesy of Oakland University Libraries 

What is a scholarly source?

Differentiating between scholarly & non-scholarly/popular information

Scholarly information can be described as information by and for scholars or academic audiences. Scholarly information is peer-reviewed, a process by which other scholars fact check the work to ensure accuracy. Popular or non-scholarly information, on the other hand, does is not peer-reviewed, nor is it written by an expert/scholar of the topic being discussed. 

Characteristics of non-scholarly/popular information: 

  • Contains images, often attention-grabbing images 
  • Littered with ads or advertisements 
  • Author is not an expert in the field being discussed 

Example Link: Popular 

Example Link: Scholarly 

Information Cycle

flow chart of information forms and cycle

The ZODIAC Test

When evaluating any piece of information, use the following steps as a guide:

  1. Zooming In (Z)
    • Read closely and critically
    • Look for spelling and grammar mistakes
    • Check for real-world examples and verify their accuracy
    • Examine publisher information for credibility
  2. Other Opinions and Sources (O)
    • Are there opposing viewpoints presented or referenced?
    • Does the source cite reputable references or external links?
  3. Date of Publication or Revision (D)
    • When was the information published or last updated?
    • Is the timeliness of the information relevant to your research needs?
  4. Intended Audience (I)
    • Who is the target audience for this information?
    • How might this affect the tone, language, and depth of coverage?
  5. Author / Author Authority (A)
    • Who wrote the piece? What qualifies them as an expert on the topic?
    • If multiple authors are listed, consider their respective areas of expertise and potential biases.
  6. Consistency (C)
    • Compare this work to others by the same author(s) to assess consistency in style, quality, and argumentation.

Bonus Tips for Detecting AI-Generated Content:

  • Be wary of overly formal or stilted language
  • Watch for repetitive phrasing or lack of variation in sentence structure
  • Note if the text fails to provide clear context or background information
  • Consider whether the arguments made seem formulaic or lack originality