Information Sources: Choosing and Finding the Right Source

All sources, ranging from websites to articles from library databases, should be evaluated in terms of

• quality and reliability
• relevance to your research
• assignment criteria

Is this a quality, reliable source?  Ask these questions:

• Who is the author or sponsoring organization?
• What gives the author or sponsoring organization the authority to provide this information?  Why should I believe what they say? 
• How old is the information?  Is it out of date?  Is there more current information I could be using?
• What is the purpose of the magazine, website, film, publication?  Is it biased?  Is it selling, convincing or persuading? Educational?  Entertainment? Propaganda?

Is the information relevant to my research?

• Will this information help answer my research question? 
• Will it provide evidence to support my argument?

Does the information meet the assignment criteria?

• Do I need peer-reviewed articles?
• Do I need primary sources?
• Do I need orginal research studies, not reviews of past research?

Read your assignment carefully to make sure you understand the criteria.