Step 6: Evaluate Sources

Overview

Ensure search results meet assignment requirements and relate to your thesis or research question
Ask additional questions to ensure that remaining sources are useful and appropriate for the assignment

Introduction

Now that you have identified potential sources, evaluate them for usefulness and quality to determine whether to include those sources in your research assignment.

Ensure search results meet assignment requirements and relate to your thesis or research question

There are three steps. First: collect sources. Second: Ask questions. Is it relevant? Does it meet assignment guidelines? Third: Discard sources. If NO to either question, discard.

After collecting your sources, perform an initial evaluation of your sources. Each source must adhere to the requirements of your assignment and be relevant to your topic. Review your assignment instructions. Can you say YES to the following questions about your sources? If not, then do NOT use the source(s).

ASK YOURSELF

Ask additional questions to ensure that remaining sources are useful and appropriate for the assignment.

There are two steps. First: With remaining sources, ask questions (see questions at the bottom of the page.) Second: Keep sources. Make your decision. Include in assignment.

Now that you’ve completed your initial evaluation, continue to ask questions about your remaining sources. Depending on your research needs, you may find sources that may not reach the highest standards for scholarship but could be useful to your research project.

Example: Imagine that you are researching hate crimes and run across a social networking site for extremists. Even though the views on this site are clearly slanted in support of a cause, the site provides a first person view of how extremists think. Therefore, this source would be useful and appropriate for your assignment.

Ask yourself the following questions about your sources to decide whether to include the source in your assignment. If you have any concerns about whether or not to use a source, contact your professor or a librarian for more direction.

ASK YOURSELF

Where was this source published (on a website, in a scholarly journal, in a magazine)?
What kind of review did it undergo prior to publication? For example, a newspaper article will have most likely been reviewed by an editor, while a blog post will most likely not have been reviewed by an editor.
Is the author an expert on the topic?
What are his/her credentials? You can look up the author in a search engine for more information about his or her background if you cannot find that information in the source.
Who is the intended audience?
Is the source written for the general public, or is it for scholars in a particular field?
Is the date of publication appropriate for your topic? For example, a 25 year old source on treating HIV may be too old given the advances in medical research about the disease. However, a 50 year old source about Shakespeare may still make a reputable argument.
Is the source long enough to go into the depth you need on the topic?
Does the author’s argument make sense (you do not necessarily have to agree with it)?
How strong is the evidence that the author uses to support his/her claims?
Where did the author find the information to support his/her claims?

If you have any concerns about whether or not to use a source, contact your professor or a librarian for more direction.

← Previous Step

Next Step →

Information for:

Resources