Researching a Research Paper

Criteria for Evaluating Sources

Not all sources are credible or reliable sources. As you skim books and periodicals and compile the information you might need, you need to decide which sources to use. Consider each of these as you review your materials:

1. What are the author's credentials? What organizations are associated with the author? Does the author have the appropriate experience or education to be considered an authority in this field? Is the author a professional? Has the author published other works in this field? Who are the publishers?
2. When was the source published? Is it current? For valid internet sources, also look for version dates if no copyright is available.
3. What or who is the intended audience? Is the source intended for scholarly, general, or juvenile audiences? For valid internet sources, carefully evaluate info-sites that are actually advertisements.
4. Is the argument balanced? Does the argument make unsupported claims, illogical conclusions, or inaccurate generalizations? Is the argument biased? For social science and natural science papers, carefully examine surveys, methods, statistics, and sampling.
5. What sources does your source cite? Has your source drawn from credible sources?

Conclusion: Is this source a credible source for your research paper?

Source: Writing Center of Vanguard University