To read critically is to make judgments about how a text is argued. This is a highly reflective skill requiring you to “stand back” and gain some distance from the text you are reading. (You might have to read a text through once to get a basic grasp of content before you launch into an intensive critical reading.) THE KEY IS THIS:
don’t read looking only or primarily for information
do read looking for ways of thinking about the subject matter
When you are reading, highlighting, or taking notes, avoid extracting and compiling lists of evidence, lists of facts and examples. Avoid approaching a text by asking “What information can I get out of it?” Rather ask “How does this text work? How is it argued? How is the evidence (the facts, examples, etc.) used and interpreted? How does the text reach its conclusions?
Source: Knott, D. (n.d.). Critical reading towards critical writing. Writing Advice.
http://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/researching/critical-reading/
When evaluating an information source, especially online information, remember the simple Gut Test-- your immediate first impression after an initial examination or reading of a piece of information.
Consider whether or not the information is:
…then it is probably not a reliable source of information for your assignments.
Using ‘Bad’ Information
But, sometimes "bad" information can be very useful, if you are using the information to illustrate a point, exhibit conflicting or mistaken opinions or to critically analyze it. However, if you use "bad" information, provide context to the information and clearly identify it within your paper.
And one last thing:
Beware of searching for or selecting information that confims your existing beliefs or opinions about a topic.
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