, Task 1: Source Evaluation
In conducting postgraduate research, particularly on a dynamic and
multidisciplinary topic such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on
higher education, the careful selection and evaluation of sources is
essential. Sarah’s literature review must be grounded in credible, relevant,
and academically sound materials. The scenario presents her with four
source types: a blog post by a technology enthusiast, a Wikipedia page, a
peer-reviewed journal article, and a government report. These sources vary
widely in terms of authorship, reliability, publication process, and academic
value. This task evaluates each of these sources in detail, determining
which should be prioritised and why, while also discussing the merits and
limitations of each source type in academic research.
1. Sources Sarah Should Prioritise in Her Literature Review
Sarah should prioritise the peer-reviewed journal article and the
government report. These two sources meet the essential criteria for
academic credibility and are best suited for inclusion in a postgraduate-
level literature review.
In conducting postgraduate research, particularly on a dynamic and
multidisciplinary topic such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on
higher education, the careful selection and evaluation of sources is
essential. Sarah’s literature review must be grounded in credible, relevant,
and academically sound materials. The scenario presents her with four
source types: a blog post by a technology enthusiast, a Wikipedia page, a
peer-reviewed journal article, and a government report. These sources vary
widely in terms of authorship, reliability, publication process, and academic
value. This task evaluates each of these sources in detail, determining
which should be prioritised and why, while also discussing the merits and
limitations of each source type in academic research.
1. Sources Sarah Should Prioritise in Her Literature Review
Sarah should prioritise the peer-reviewed journal article and the
government report. These two sources meet the essential criteria for
academic credibility and are best suited for inclusion in a postgraduate-
level literature review.