Source+evaluation

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How do you assess the value of a given source? The value of anything depends on the goal pursued; in that sense, the value of a source will depend on what you are trying to do with it. In other words, you will need to think this issue through yourself, by reference to your specific project or need. There is, however, a set of well-accepted techniques to help you in this, and I and others describe them in documents below.=====

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A very important technique is to learn how the community of people who already know something about the topic assess its value. It helps most to find historiographies ("histories of the history" of the subject) or annotated bibliographies. Fortunately, there are a growing number of these available on the Web, and findable through Google.=====

Guidelines by Mr. Ergueta
Overview of the process:


 * Here's the most down-to-earth guide you can apply directly in a Paper 1 or other DBQ test: [|How to Write Answers to DBQ Qs.1-3]


 * Here's a quick, but more abstract, guide to help you when doing a historical investigation or other research paper: [|How to Analyze and Describe Value and Limitations]


 * [|Simplified OPCVL Analysis] A model I have prepared illustrating the main kinds of value and limitations that are associated with origins and purpose.


 * A longer, very detailed guide, as a text document:
 * [|Evaluating sources I-Overview]


 * As presentation thumbnails:
 * [[file:How to Evaluate Sources-Ovvw 130825.pdf]]
 * As a full presentation:
 * [[file:How to Evaluate Sources-Ovvw 130825.ppt]]

Focus on primary sources, their specific nature, value, typical problems, and associated historical methods:


 * As a text document:
 * [|Evaluating Sources, II: Typical Value and Limitations by Document Source Types]
 * As presentation thumbnails:
 * [[file:Evltng Prim. Sources 130826.pdf]]
 * As a full presentation:
 * [[file:Evltng Prim. Sources 130826.ppt]]

Focus on secondary sources, their specific nature, value, typical problems, and associated historical methods:

Focus on tertiary sources, like Wikipedia and other encyclopedias:
 * As presentation thumbnails:
 * [[file:Evltng Secondary Sources 130826.pdf]]
 * As a full presentation:
 * [[file:Evltng Secondary Sources 130826.ppt]]


 * Most educators and professionals do not consider it appropriate to use [|tertiary sources] such as encyclopedias as a sole source for any information—citing an encyclopedia as an important reference in footnotes or bibliographies may result in censure or a failing grade.
 * Encyclopedia articles should be used for background information, as a reference for correct terminology and search terms, and as a starting point for further research.
 * In the case of Wikipedia, as with any [|community-built] reference, there is a possibility for error in Wikipedia's content—please check your facts against multiple sources.

Focus on specific types of sources, their specific nature, and typical associated value and limitations:


 * [|Evaluating Sources, II: Typical Value and Limitations by Document Source Types]


 * [[file:Pol. Cartoon Interp.PDF]]

Focus on the problem of bias and how to deal with it in an evaluation of sources


 * [|Evaluating sources III-What to do in case of bias]

Other Very Useful Guides
Russell Tarr's ActiveHistory Guide to Source-Based Analysis: the most practical single guide:
 * [[file:Tips on DBQs-ActiveHIst.pdf]]

My rubrics for OPVL analysis:
 * [|The basic OPVL rubric]
 * [|The extended OPVL rubric], including List of Sources and a Presentation sections