Why Evaluate Sources?
The internet and search engines like Google and the library’s databases have made it possible to find information on almost any topic, but not all information is created equal. Some searches may lead you to sources that are unreliable, inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise not suited to your information needs. Before using any information source—either for an academic research assignment or to guide an important “real life” decision—it’s essential to evaluate the credibility and relevance of that source. Learning to think critically about information sources is an important first step in that process.
What is a scholarly source?
Instructors often ask students to find “scholarly”, “academic”, or “peer reviewed” sources of information for their research. These terms all refer to the same type of information – sources based on in-depth research, and are considered higher in quality and more reliable for your research.
These sources can range from chapters within books or entire books, or journal articles, but all have common characteristics that can help you recognize that type of information.
- Produced by experts or researchers in a specialized field or discipline. The authors typically have advanced degrees and are usually affiliated with universities or research institutes. The authors' credentials, academic affiliation, and contact information will usually be listed in the source.
- Purpose is to present new or unpublished research.
- Articles reviewed by experts for scholarly content or quality, or peer reviewed.
- Written using formal language and structure. Most research articles in the natural and social sciences will include a set of standard sections with sub-headings including abstract, literature review, methods, results/discussion, and conclusion. Scholarly sources are usually accompanied by a lengthy list of references/works cited or a bibliography.
- May include tables, graphs, or illustrations to communicate data, but rarely feature photos, ads, or decorative fonts.
CRAAP Framework
