Why Using the Right Sources Matters

When writing an essay, research paper, thesis, dissertation, or published work, the ideas students are expressing are often created in reference or in response to the theories and opinions of other writers.  Writing rarely occurs in isolation but is part of an ongoing dialogue with people from all walks of life offering their own take on various ideas, beliefs, or events. However, the quality of a student’s argument depends on the quality of the sources they cite. 

In today’s world, online platforms on the Internet have made it much easier for students to access a global range of information. Unfortunately, the Internet is also a place where disinformation and unfounded opinions are commonplace.  In her book about using sources for academic purposes, Wette (2021) cites a 2018 study by McGrew et al. which found that students assessed trustworthiness “based on factors such as page content and surface features such as the proportion of information in graphics … [and did] not ask if photos, statistics, or data displays were authentic…” (p.41). This can lead to students citing inaccurate facts or unfounded claims, which can result in their own work being graded poorly. Thus, before using a source, students should first determine its trustworthiness by assessing such factors as the accuracy of the evidence or data, the audience it is intended for, the degree to which it is objective, and its relevance for their own work (Wette, 2021).

In fact, using the right sources ultimately determines the credibility of a student’s work. There is a significant difference between using sources from peer-reviewed journals, scholarly and government publications, documentaries, and reputable institutions and research and using sources not grounded in evidence, based on hearsay, or which reflect a biased political, cultural, or economic spin. Academic sources emphasize evidence, draw from multiple viewpoints, limit subjective interpretations, and cite their sources (Lowry, 2016). As Lowry states, “all of those characteristics will lend credibility to … [a student’s] argument” (Lowry, 2016, p.32), by providing a more detailed and richer understanding of the subject matter. 

This is not to say that sources, such as newspapers, personal or promotional websites, blogs, social media, talk show debates, group chats, video streams, and opinion pieces are not valid sources of potential knowledge.  They represent the world we live in and can be insightful, informative, and a potential source of evidence. But this requires acknowledging that such sources do not “confine themselves to facts” (Lowry, 2016, p.32) but will often stress individual and/or institutional agendas, biases, or opinions, including promoting misinformation or propaganda. This is why it is important for students to do their due diligence to determine if the information or opinion they want to use is from a reliable and trustworthy source.  In fact, one of the best ways to determine if a source is credible is to see if there are critical reviews by other scholars or researchers (Wette, 2021).

In conclusion, overly relying on non-academic sources, or failing to identify that some sources are written with the intent of conveying a particular opinion or promotional interest will undermine the quality of the argument you are trying to make. This can result in a student’s written work be seen as lacking critical analysis, not based on evidence, or possibly even biased; each of which can negatively affect your academic standing. Writing a strong essay is not difficult. All it requires is that students adhere to academic standards that emphasize sources that engage in a dialogue with other scholars, that base their argument on evidence or critical thinking, that indicate respect for the work of other writers by properly citing the source of their information, and that acknowledge the quality and reliability of source they are choosing to use. 

References

Lowry, C. (2016). Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research. Ohio State University Libraries.

Wette, R. (2021). Writing using sources for academic purposes: theory, research and practice. Routledge.