Final answer:
Maya should prioritize reputable sources like the CDC and peer-reviewed scientific studies for her research on vaccinations, and remain skeptical of unsourced claims, particularly those from authors without medical expertise.
Step-by-step explanation:
When researching the effects of vaccinations, it's essential to assess the credibility of the sources being consulted. Maya should be most skeptical about online articles from authors with no scientific background or expertise in medicine, as these could contain misinformation or biased views on vaccinations.
A prime example of a suspicious source would be a parenting book author claiming children should not receive standard vaccines, like the MMR vaccine, without any support from peer-reviewed scientific research.
Instead, Maya should look for information from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provide data supported by peer-reviewed studies and meta-analyses. Such studies are more likely to offer an accurate consensus within the scientific community.
When comparing different sources, Maya should note if they cite credible scientific evidence, if other researchers support their claims, and if the sources gain anything by promoting a specific viewpoint.
In summary, Maya should trust information that is backed by the broad scientific community and is consistent with the findings of numerous well-controlled and reviewed studies over sources that may contain bias and lack scientific endorsement. Careful examination of the claims made by various sources will help Maya discern the most reliable information for her biology report.