P is for Publisher and Purpose
There are two Ps in DAPPR for publisher and purpose. Often you can find information about the publisher and purpose in the same places. For that reason, we have put both on the same page.
P is for Publisher
Not only should the author be credible, but you also need to evaluate whether the publishing company is credible. A book has a publisher such as a University Press or a well-known company like Random House. Ideally, the publisher is a University Press, such as Harvard University Press, because academic institutions have high standards and publish works meant for academic sharing of information.
P is for Purpose
As you evaluate a source, you need to think about why the information was published. Ideally, the purpose is to educate, inform, or share scholarly research. If the purpose is to persuade, sell something, or spread misinformation, then it is not appropriate for your academic, college-level research.
You should also consider whether the information is based on facts or opinion, and if opinion, is it biased or does it address more than one point of view?
Considering the overall purpose of the publishing company can also help you evaluate the purpose and credibility of the book.
The rubric mentions empirical research for 3 points. Empirical research is basically a scientific research study, much like you learn about the scientific method in your science classes. It will describe the problem or question being addressed in the study, the hypothesis, methods, data collected, analysis of the data, conclusions, and discussions of what the results mean and how this knowledge can be applied or added to our current field of knowledge.
Finding Information for Evaluating a Book's Publisher and Purpose
Book reviews and publisher websites can help you figure out the purpose of the book and its publisher.
Reading book reviews or summaries of the book will typically give insights into the purpose of the book and its information.
You can also search the Internet for the publisher's website. Look for About Us or About, typically in a navigation bar at the top of the webpage or at the very bottom of the webpage. Within the About information you should find the mission statement, which will describe the purpose of the publisher. You may also find information on the history of the publishing company, which may give insight on its purpose, as well.
