How Do I Evaluate the Appropriateness of My Sources?
A few points to consider when using a source, be it an article, book, or website:
- Authority: Who is the author? What are his/her credentials? Is the article from a peer-reviewed journal?
- Accuracy: Are the sources of factual information easy to verify? Is the information based on original research (primary source)? Analysis of others' works (secondary source)? Opinion?
- Objectivity: Does the work follow a logical line of reasoning? Are the assumptions based on fact? Are there biases of opinion in the material, and are they clearly stated?
Check with your professor about these and other things to consider when using sources for your research.
