To determine valid sources for online research, consider the following types of sources:
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Academic Journals - Peer-reviewed articles published in academic journals are often considered reliable and valid sources.
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Government Websites - Information from official government websites (.gov) can generally be trusted for accuracy.
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Educational Institutions - Websites ending in .edu (such as those of universities) often provide reliable research and information.
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Nonprofit Organizations - Reputable organizations with a focus on research or advocacy (such as the CDC or WHO) can provide valid information.
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Books and E-books - Scholarly books, particularly those published by reputable publishers, can be credible.
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Databases - Subscription-based databases (like JSTOR, PubMed) for academic articles and reliable data are excellent sources.
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News Organizations - Well-established news outlets (such as BBC, NPR, or The New York Times) can provide valid information, though it's crucial to assess their biases.
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Blogs/Magazines by Experts - Blogs or online magazines authored by recognized experts in a field may provide valid insight, but always verify the author's credentials and the site's credibility.
Always be cautious and cross-verify information from these sources with other reliable references.