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ECD 1403: Child Development

This library guide will help you find library resources for your ECD 1403: Child Development and Developmental Theories Research Paper.

Why Evaluate?

post it notesWhen doing research, it is important to find information that is reliable, accurate, and appropriate for your assignment.

Knowing how to evaluate information can help you with research assignments as well as bigger life decisions. 

Knowing how to find relevant and accurate information can help you make informed decisions about graduate school, a new car purchase, financial aid, jobs, your health, and more.

Evaluating Resources Using the BREAD Method

Criteria

Questions to Ask

Bias
  • Is the source characterized by "all-or-nothing" statements?
  • Do the arguments appeal more to emotion than to logic?
  • Is the author’s case presented in such a way that it is falsifiable?

Relevance
  • To what extent does the source answer your research question?
  • Is the source type appropriate to your assignment or research need?

Evidence
  • Does the author provide citations? Do you think they are reputable?
  • Can facts or statistics be verified through another source?
  • Based on your knowledge, does the information seem accurate? Does it match the information found in other sources?

Authority
  • Who is the author (person, company, or organization)?
  • Does the source provide any information that leads you to believe the author is credible or an expert on the topic?
  • Can you describe the author's background (experience, education, knowledge)?

Date

 
  • When was the source written and published?
  • Has the information been updated recently?
  • Is currency pertinent to your research?