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Why is it important to understand source types?
You can be intentional when looking for information.
- This will save you time in the research process and hopefully help you find relevant information.
You need to know source types for citations.
- Citation formulas are based on source types. Even citation generators ask what type of source you are trying to cite.
It helps with evaluation information.
- Source types may provide insight as to the creators of the information, the editorial process, timeliness of the information.
- ex. Scholarly journal articles are written by experts in a field.
- ex. Social media post about a breaking event is timely, but there likely wasn't any editorial review.
It helps you meet research requirements.
- If your assignment requires you to use a government report or a scholarly source, you need to know what that means.