RCE2601
Assignment 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 13 June 2025
TASK 1: SOURCE EVALUATION (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Introduction
In academic research, the credibility and appropriateness of sources play a critical role in
shaping the quality and integrity of a literature review. Sarah, a postgraduate student
researching the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education, encounters a
diverse range of sources in her initial search. These include a blog post by a technology
enthusiast, a Wikipedia page, a peer-reviewed journal article, and a government report. To
produce a rigorous and academically sound literature review, Sarah must evaluate the
reliability, authorship, publication process, and academic value of each source. This essay
will critically assess the suitability of these four sources and provide guidance on which
should be prioritised and how each may contribute to her literature review.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: The Gold Standard
The peer-reviewed journal article should be Sarah’s primary source in her literature review.
Peer-reviewed articles are considered the gold standard in academic research because they
undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field before publication. This ensures
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
TASK 1: SOURCE EVALUATION (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Introduction
In academic research, the credibility and appropriateness of sources play a critical
role in shaping the quality and integrity of a literature review. Sarah, a postgraduate
student researching the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education,
encounters a diverse range of sources in her initial search. These include a blog post
by a technology enthusiast, a Wikipedia page, a peer-reviewed journal article, and a
government report. To produce a rigorous and academically sound literature review,
Sarah must evaluate the reliability, authorship, publication process, and academic
value of each source. This essay will critically assess the suitability of these four
sources and provide guidance on which should be prioritised and how each may
contribute to her literature review.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: The Gold Standard
The peer-reviewed journal article should be Sarah’s primary source in her literature
review. Peer-reviewed articles are considered the gold standard in academic
research because they undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field
before publication. This ensures the accuracy, originality, and academic integrity of
the work. In the context of AI in higher education, such articles are likely to offer
evidence-based findings, theoretical frameworks, and methodological rigor.
According to Machi and McEvoy (2016), peer-reviewed sources demonstrate high
reliability because they are produced by scholars with recognised expertise and are
published in reputable journals that demand methodological soundness.
Furthermore, these articles often include comprehensive literature reviews, allowing
Sarah to position her own study within existing research debates. For instance, a
journal article may explore how AI-powered adaptive learning systems are affecting
student outcomes, supported by empirical data, which Sarah can cite and critique in
her literature review.
Government Report: Credible and Authoritative
The government report is also a credible and valuable source, although it serves a
different purpose from a peer-reviewed article. Government publications, such as
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
white papers, policy documents, or research reports issued by national departments
of education or science and innovation, are typically produced by experts or
commissioned professionals. These reports are not peer-reviewed in the traditional
academic sense, but they are subjected to official scrutiny and represent the policy
stance or research priorities of the state.
In Sarah’s case, a government report on AI in education might provide statistical
data, funding trends, national strategies, and legislative developments relevant to the
implementation of AI technologies in tertiary institutions. For example, a report by
South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training may detail initiatives for
digital transformation or investment in AI research. These insights are essential for
contextualising the relevance of Sarah’s topic and understanding the socio-political
environment in which AI technologies are applied. However, because government
reports may reflect policy positions, Sarah should remain aware of potential biases
and supplement such documents with scholarly critique.
Wikipedia Page: A Starting Point, Not a Source
Wikipedia is a popular open-source online encyclopedia that allows collaborative
editing by the general public. While it offers a broad overview of many topics and can
serve as a useful starting point for initial understanding, it lacks the reliability and
academic credibility required for scholarly work. The main issue with Wikipedia is the
uncertainty surrounding authorship and the absence of formal peer review. Entries
can be altered by anyone with internet access, making them vulnerable to errors,
misinformation, or lack of scholarly depth.
Nonetheless, Wikipedia may guide Sarah toward other useful sources through its
reference lists. For example, a Wikipedia entry on AI in education might link to
relevant journal articles or reports. These can then be independently evaluated for
their academic merit. As noted by Harris (2018), while Wikipedia should never be
cited in formal academic writing, it can help researchers generate search terms or
identify key contributors in a field. Therefore, Wikipedia should not be included in
Sarah’s literature review but can inform her background preparation.
Blog Post: Subjective and Informal
Assignment 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 13 June 2025
TASK 1: SOURCE EVALUATION (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Introduction
In academic research, the credibility and appropriateness of sources play a critical role in
shaping the quality and integrity of a literature review. Sarah, a postgraduate student
researching the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education, encounters a
diverse range of sources in her initial search. These include a blog post by a technology
enthusiast, a Wikipedia page, a peer-reviewed journal article, and a government report. To
produce a rigorous and academically sound literature review, Sarah must evaluate the
reliability, authorship, publication process, and academic value of each source. This essay
will critically assess the suitability of these four sources and provide guidance on which
should be prioritised and how each may contribute to her literature review.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: The Gold Standard
The peer-reviewed journal article should be Sarah’s primary source in her literature review.
Peer-reviewed articles are considered the gold standard in academic research because they
undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field before publication. This ensures
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
TASK 1: SOURCE EVALUATION (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Introduction
In academic research, the credibility and appropriateness of sources play a critical
role in shaping the quality and integrity of a literature review. Sarah, a postgraduate
student researching the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education,
encounters a diverse range of sources in her initial search. These include a blog post
by a technology enthusiast, a Wikipedia page, a peer-reviewed journal article, and a
government report. To produce a rigorous and academically sound literature review,
Sarah must evaluate the reliability, authorship, publication process, and academic
value of each source. This essay will critically assess the suitability of these four
sources and provide guidance on which should be prioritised and how each may
contribute to her literature review.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: The Gold Standard
The peer-reviewed journal article should be Sarah’s primary source in her literature
review. Peer-reviewed articles are considered the gold standard in academic
research because they undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field
before publication. This ensures the accuracy, originality, and academic integrity of
the work. In the context of AI in higher education, such articles are likely to offer
evidence-based findings, theoretical frameworks, and methodological rigor.
According to Machi and McEvoy (2016), peer-reviewed sources demonstrate high
reliability because they are produced by scholars with recognised expertise and are
published in reputable journals that demand methodological soundness.
Furthermore, these articles often include comprehensive literature reviews, allowing
Sarah to position her own study within existing research debates. For instance, a
journal article may explore how AI-powered adaptive learning systems are affecting
student outcomes, supported by empirical data, which Sarah can cite and critique in
her literature review.
Government Report: Credible and Authoritative
The government report is also a credible and valuable source, although it serves a
different purpose from a peer-reviewed article. Government publications, such as
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
white papers, policy documents, or research reports issued by national departments
of education or science and innovation, are typically produced by experts or
commissioned professionals. These reports are not peer-reviewed in the traditional
academic sense, but they are subjected to official scrutiny and represent the policy
stance or research priorities of the state.
In Sarah’s case, a government report on AI in education might provide statistical
data, funding trends, national strategies, and legislative developments relevant to the
implementation of AI technologies in tertiary institutions. For example, a report by
South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training may detail initiatives for
digital transformation or investment in AI research. These insights are essential for
contextualising the relevance of Sarah’s topic and understanding the socio-political
environment in which AI technologies are applied. However, because government
reports may reflect policy positions, Sarah should remain aware of potential biases
and supplement such documents with scholarly critique.
Wikipedia Page: A Starting Point, Not a Source
Wikipedia is a popular open-source online encyclopedia that allows collaborative
editing by the general public. While it offers a broad overview of many topics and can
serve as a useful starting point for initial understanding, it lacks the reliability and
academic credibility required for scholarly work. The main issue with Wikipedia is the
uncertainty surrounding authorship and the absence of formal peer review. Entries
can be altered by anyone with internet access, making them vulnerable to errors,
misinformation, or lack of scholarly depth.
Nonetheless, Wikipedia may guide Sarah toward other useful sources through its
reference lists. For example, a Wikipedia entry on AI in education might link to
relevant journal articles or reports. These can then be independently evaluated for
their academic merit. As noted by Harris (2018), while Wikipedia should never be
cited in formal academic writing, it can help researchers generate search terms or
identify key contributors in a field. Therefore, Wikipedia should not be included in
Sarah’s literature review but can inform her background preparation.
Blog Post: Subjective and Informal
