Final answer:
Documentation for source approval should consist of credible, reliable evidence from peer-reviewed academic publications and credible nonacademic sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Documentation for source approval includes various types of evidence to establish the credibility and reliability of the source. Peer-reviewed academic publications such as textbooks, essays, journals, articles, reports, and scholarly books represent the highest tier of source authority, having undergone rigorous evaluation through the peer review process. These are most often associated with academic institutions or academic associations like the Modern Language Association (MLA) and are excellent for providing strong evidence for a researcher's claims.
When selecting a source, important considerations include:
- Whether the publisher, sponsor, or source is reputable
- The credentials and qualifications of the author
- The recency of the publication, especially if the topic requires current information
- The presence of current and working links within the source
Credible nonacademic sources are secondary to peer-reviewed materials but still hold significant authority. These include:
- Reputable newspaper articles
- Credible websites
- Reports on current events or discoveries not yet reviewed by academics
Researchers should exercise discretion, taking into account peer recommendations and ensuring their claims are supported by text-based evidence, possibly including a source citation. In summary, a comprehensive evaluation of a source's credibility, alongside a clear understanding of the hierarchy of sources is crucial for source approval in research.