Nuclear power and nuclear weapons are a controversial topic, which means sources are more likely to be biased, or having only a partial perspective or an inclination for or against something, often with a refusal to consider alternate points of view.
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Although we often focus on websites when we discuss evaluating sources, you should not assume that just because something is written in a book or in an academic journal that it must be true. All sources should be read with a critical eye.
1. Who
Who is the author? Are they an expert?
2. What
What information is provided? Is this information consistent with other sources?
3. When
When was the information published?
4. Where
Where did the author find their information? Is there a bibliography or works cited list?
5. Why
Why did the author publish this information? (To educate or inform? To persuade? To sell a product?)
Adapted from Kathy Schrock's Critical Evaluation resources.