Evaluating Sources
Is the information accurate and reliable, or are you just wasting time?
Now that we have identified your sources we can begin the weeding process. First off it should be noted that there is no correct way to do this, and often times screening relies on common sense and good judgment. However there are some very basic criteria for screening that can leave you with a healthy pile of research to use in your project. As well, it is a good idea to keep your topic in mind, while you may have a lot of good sources they may not be as relevant as you think.
First: Who is the publisher, and are they reputable?
- If you don't know then ask, it always helps to do a little background checking. Most colleges and universities have their own press, and almost always lends the guarantee of reliable work, as well there are a few large international commercial presses whose reputations are as strong as any university.
Second: Is this a peer reviewed source?
- In other words has this information been reviewed by individual experts before publication. If yes, then you can almost be sure of its accuracy and completeness. If not, keep in mind that many authors publish independently and that this doesn't necessarily mean bad work.
Third: Who wrote it anyway, and When?
- Most publications will tell you a little something about the authors, and from that you can usually decipher the authors area of expertise, and if not you can always try to find them on the internet. Electronic sources found outside databases however often do not supply authorship, and if that is the case then decide the source credibility by evaluating the host organization.
Currency is sometimes the most important aspect to consider when evaluating your sources. Unless your project is based on or involves some aspect of historical inquiry then it is a good idea to keep your sources as up-to-date as possible.
What types of sources are there, and how do you know what you have?
What about sources found on the Internet, how do you know who, what, where and why?