Comparing Sources
Learn to identify similarities and differences between sources.
Learn
When synthesizing sources, you need to identify how they relate to each other. Sources may agree, disagree, or provide complementary information on a topic.
Types of Source Relationships
- Agreement: Sources support the same main idea with similar evidence
- Disagreement: Sources contradict each other or reach different conclusions
- Complement: Sources add different information about the same topic
- Extension: One source builds on or deepens ideas from another
What to Compare
- Main claims or arguments
- Types of evidence used
- Perspectives or viewpoints
- Tone and purpose
- Publication date and context
Examples
Example: Two Sources on Social Media
Source A: "Social media helps teenagers stay connected with friends and develops communication skills."
Source B: "Heavy social media use correlates with increased anxiety and depression in teens."
Analysis
These sources present complementary but contrasting views. Source A focuses on benefits, while Source B focuses on risks. A synthesis would need to acknowledge both perspectives and perhaps explore when social media is helpful versus harmful.
Practice
Question 1: What are the four types of relationships sources can have?
Answer
Agreement, Disagreement, Complement, and Extension.
Question 2: Source A says school uniforms improve focus. Source B says school uniforms reduce bullying. What is their relationship?
Answer
Complementary. Both support school uniforms but cite different benefits. They add different information about the same topic.
Question 3: Why is it important to compare the publication dates of sources?
Answer
Publication dates affect relevance and context. Older sources may have outdated information, while newer sources may build on earlier research. Understanding the timeline helps you see how thinking on a topic has evolved.
Question 4: Source A argues for renewable energy; Source B argues against it. How should you handle this in a synthesis?
Answer
Present both perspectives fairly, analyze the evidence each provides, and draw your own conclusion based on the strength of the arguments. Do not ignore the source you disagree with.
Question 5: Source A is from 2010 and Source B is from 2023. Both discuss smartphone usage. What should you consider?
Answer
Smartphone technology and usage patterns have changed dramatically since 2010. The 2010 source may not reflect current smartphones or social media platforms. The 2023 source is more relevant to today's context, but the 2010 source might show historical perspective.
Question 6: What does it mean when sources "extend" each other?
Answer
Extension means one source builds on or deepens the ideas from another. For example, Source A might present a theory, and Source B might provide additional evidence supporting that theory or explore its implications.
Question 7: How can comparing the types of evidence sources use help your analysis?
Answer
Different evidence types have different strengths. If one source uses statistics while another uses personal stories, you can evaluate which is more convincing for the specific claim. Comparing evidence also helps you identify gaps or potential biases.
Question 8: A newspaper editorial and a scientific study discuss the same topic. What differences should you expect?
Answer
The editorial will likely express an opinion and may use emotional appeals. The scientific study will present data objectively with methodology. The editorial may be more accessible but less rigorous; the study more authoritative but harder to read.
Question 9: If two sources agree completely, is that good or bad for your synthesis?
Answer
It depends. Agreement from independent, credible sources strengthens your argument. However, if sources agree because they have the same bias or used the same flawed data, their agreement does not add credibility. Always evaluate why sources agree.
Question 10: What question should you ask when sources disagree?
Answer
Ask: What might explain the disagreement? Consider differences in: time period, methodology, sample population, definitions used, author perspective/bias, or quality of evidence. Understanding why sources disagree helps you evaluate which is more reliable.
Check Your Understanding
- How do you identify whether sources agree or disagree?
- Why might two credible sources reach different conclusions?
- What makes sources complementary rather than contradictory?
Next Steps
- Practice comparing sources on topics you are researching
- Create a chart to organize source relationships
- Continue to Lesson 5: Integrating Quotations