LAA 247 Primary Sources, Information from Research,

Interpreting Graphics

What it a Primary Source?• A primary source is a source used b a writer to

provide first-had information, experiences, and facts to the reader.

• For example, if you were writing a research paper on a career of a police officer and you needed a primary source in you paper, you might interview a police officer to get firsthand information.

• Other examples are-AutobiographyScientist’s notes and observationsDiary or Journal Entry

Reliability and Validity• Reliability: A reliable primary source is a

source of information that is dependable, you can count on that source giving true and real information every time.

• Valid: A primary source that is valid is a source of information that is correct. A valid source will not give you false information; you can count on that information begin right or correct, NOT wrong or incorrect.

Making the Decision• You may have to identify how an author is qualified to

give information or how an author’s experiences make that person a valid or reliable source. Those answers will always be in the information provided in the text.

• Some words that indicate that a question is asking you about the reliability or validity or a source include:EvidenceQualificationsExperienceExpertEducation

LAA 244 Information from Research

• These kinds of questions may ask you to use more than on article as well as graphics, including charts, maps, or photos, in order to come up with the correct answer.

• These questions will ask you to-Recognize: to notice, distinguish, know, perceiveIdentify: to point out, distinguish, recognize, determineAnalyze: to study the parts of a wholeSynthesize: to bring togetherEvaluate: to determine the worth

It Is Really Research• These types of questions are really evaluating if you can

do the kinds of things you are supposed to do when you write a research paper.

• You have to be able to recognize that information is applicable to your topic

• Identify what is appropriate and valuable• Analyze it in order to weed out what is good, bad, or

irrelevant information• Synthesize the information into one paper• Evaluate every piece of information as well as your

paper as a whole when you are finished.