How do I evaluate the usefulness of a source?

When I look at a source, the technique I use to answer these types of questions is DAPAL, which stands for:Date - When was this written - was it written immediately after the event or years later? Author - Is it a first hand account (by a person who was present at the event) or a secondary account (written by someone who wasn't there)? What is the author's background - a professor or journalist or soldier etc. Purpose - Is it a personal account or is it trying to send a specific message? Is it propaganda? Is it trying to be informative or is it an opinion piece?Accuracy - Does it omit significant info about the event? Is it wrong with some facts? What does the content tell us? Limitations - Is the source biased in any way - is it from an untrustworthy source, or can only tell us one perspective?By going through the source point by point, I can see whether the source is useful, and so can construct my answer. It is important to remember that all sources are useful in some way - even a heavily biased source reveals something about attitudes held by society at the time. But every source, no matter how reliable it may seem, cannot tell the whole story. The answer is never just 'no' or 'yes'.

JR
Answered by Jo R. History tutor

7987 Views

See similar History Scottish Highers tutors

Related History Scottish Highers answers

All answers ▸

Why Did Decolonisation Bring About a New Wave of Extreme Violence?


Evaluate the usefulness of Source C as evidence of the subjugation of the Scots by Edward I in 1296. (6 marks).


How significant was Winston Churchill In the war against Nazi Germany?


To what extent was the changing social status of women after 1850 the most significant reason that led to most women gaining the right to vote in 1918?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences