Using Evidence in Research

Importance of Quality Evidence

• Using evidence in research is likened to building a house with high-quality materials.
• Flimsy evidence results in research that cannot withstand scrutiny.
• High-quality sources ensure that research is solid and reliable.

Selecting the Best Sources

• Evaluate sources based on your specific needs and research questions.
• Sources are not inherently good or bad; their suitability depends on your objectives.

Example Comparison

• Scholarly Article: Written by economics experts, published in a scholarly journal.
• Blog Post: Personal experience account with limited review and no relevant education.
• Both sources may be useful depending on the research focus (e.g., challenges vs. expert analysis).

Key Questions to Evaluate Sources

1. Who Wrote This and Are They Trustworthy?

• Assess the expertise of the author:
  • Education
  • Professional Experience
  • Life Experiences
  • Significant Research
• Verify qualifications through the article, linked biographical information, or an About page.
• Consider the reputation of the publication if the author is unknown.

2. Understanding Bias

• Acknowledge that all sources have some bias.
• Determine the purpose of the article: to convince, inform, sell, or prompt action.
• Evaluate the bias of the publishing organization.

3. Where Does the Author Get Their Information?

• Check if the author uses solid evidence and reliable sources.
• Look for references or conduct an investigation within the article.

Building a Solid Research Foundation

• Your research's strength is based on the quality of evidence and sources.
• Engage various experts and perspectives in your research.
• Utilize librarians for support in evaluating sources.