As a researcher, developing effective information skills is essential for distinguishing good information from the bad and the ugly. Evaluating information sources is essential in research to ensure credibility and accuracy. It helps verify that information comes from reputable authors, organisations, or knowledge holders, thereby maintaining the quality and trustworthiness of the knowledge being used. In a world full of information, proper evaluation helps avoid misinformation and ensures the research honours both the factual accuracy and the cultural significance of the information.
It is important to recognise that not all 'academic' and 'reliable' sources are created equal, especially in specific kaupapa or subject areas, including Māori and Indigenous research. Knowledge holders such as kaumātua and elders, tohunga, and pūkenga can all be valid experts in their fields. Additionally, sources like toi Māori (Māori art), ancient artifacts, pūrākau (traditional stories), wānanga (learning & discussion sessions), oral histories and so on, also hold significant value in research. Cultural practices should be evaluated alongside academic sources to maintain integrity and respect for Indigenous worldviews.
Moreover, evaluating sources ensures their relevance to the research topic, considering the context in which the knowledge was created. It enables researchers to select sources that are not only academically sound but also culturally appropriate. Understanding the bias or worldview embedded in a source, helps preserve the integrity of diverse perspectives and strengthens the overall argument, providing a solid foundation of well-supported evidence.
Please get in touch with us at Te Iho o Te Manawataki, the library by emailing us at library@waikato.ac.nz if you need further help with choosing sources.