Source Analysis Skills

Question 1

How is Practical Ethical Scholarship allowed when referring to source material?

Answer 1

• Being Honest about the Source information used
• Acknowledging the words and ideas of others
• Listing all sources used

Question 2

What Ethics should be followed when conducing Research?

Answer 2

1. Informed Consent - Respecting each persons right to make an informed decision about taking part in an study, they must give full consent prior to taking part and researcher must not mislead participants about the nature of research
2. Confidentiality - Respecting each persons right to confidentiality to anonymity, by not publishing information about the participant, data collected should be kept private in terms of access, storage and disposal of data
3. Presenting results honestly - Avoiding bias and acknowledging the limitations
4. Cultural Sensitivities - Respecting an individuals cultural sensitives

Question 3

What are Primary Sources?

Answer 3

Include sacred scriptures and authoritative religious documents, original writings from other authors and statistics from reputable surveys

Question 4

What are Secondary Sources?

Answer 4

Include articles that explain or comment on primary sources such as newspaper reports, websites and some texts

Question 5

What is Reliability?

Answer 5

The degree to which a source accurately expresses the views it claims to represent

• Who is the author?
• Is it consistent?

Question 6

What should be considered when reviewing the Reliability of survey data?

Answer 6

• Did the sample represent the population?
• Were the survey questions fair?
• Did the data adequately reflect the views of the population
• Is the data provided consistent?
• Was the report free of bias and did it acknowledge any limitations?
• A mix of qualitative and quantitive data ensures better reliability and relevance
• Statistical data should be stable and consistent e.g. Repeatable
• Samples should be chosen at random to avoid bias

Question 7

What does Validity refer to?

Answer 7

• Data is valid if it provides a true picture of what is being studied, a vlid statement gives a true measurement, description or explanation of what it claims to measure tor describe
• Can include: Measurement Validity, Ecological Validity, and External Validity

Question 8

What does Usefulness refer to?

Answer 8

• The degree of relevance or the degree to which the source serves the intended purpose
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is it informative?
• Does it arrive at any conclusions?

Question 9

What does Contestable Nature refer to?

Answer 9

• The degree to which the source stands up to scrutiny (critical observation)
• Does it critically question a held position?
• Is there obvious bias or gaps
• Is there diversity of views on the subject?
• Is it overly sympathetic or hostile?