Evaluating Sources
Below are some important things to consider when you are choosing which books, articles, and websites to use in your assignments.
Reliability
Is the information accurate and dependable? Do the facts match up?
Credibility
Is the primary voice an expert? What are their credentials? Primary voice could mean author or interviewee.
Validity
Where is the information coming from? It is personal opinion or research-based? Is there a bibliography or works cited section you can refer to?
Timeliness
When was it published?
Audience
Who was the article written for? Children? Scholars? Sometimes you can tell by the language - complexity and jargon suggest that it is written for a knowledgeable audience.
Bias
Does it discuss multiple sides of an issue or just one? Why was it written - for sales? to sway opinion?
Relevance
Is the article about what you are researching? How well does it address your research topic? Read the abstract or introduction and conclusion to figure this out. Remember, just because an article mentions your artist, doesn't mean it's actually about them.
Considering all of these elements can help determine if your source is a good one to use for your topic. You often don't need to read the whole item to evaluate a source. Read the abstract or introduction and conclusion to make a decision about if the resource is going to work for you. If it is, then read the whole thing.
