Evaluate Sources With the Big 5 Criteria. The materials collected here do not express the views of, or positions held by, Purdue University. Evaluating the Credibility of Your Sources Remember, your use of sources is a means of supporting the argument you make. A private individual does not have the credibility needed for academic work; however, a large, established organization like the American Medical Association or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do. They are usually part of a series or follow a theme. If a bibliographic citation seems promising, its a good idea to spend a bit more time with the source before you determine its credibility. Could the evidence be used to draw other conclusions? an article that is evaluated by other experts in the field) or published by a university press, professional society, or scientific publisher (all of which also operate peer-review processes)? If at all possible, look for that same information from a peer-reviewed source, rather than a professors personal .edu source. You should also examine whether the author has other publications and if they are with well-known publishers or organizations. Sometimes, the currency of the source is very important. Does the information come from an author or organization that has authority to speak on your topic? Information can usually be divided into three categories: fact, opinion, and propaganda. A fact is something that is known to be true. Evaluating source credibility is an important information literacy skill. Petersen, Alexander Michael, et al. For a source to be considered credible it must meet five main obligations: Currency, Relevance . Note also that the difference between an opinion and propaganda is that propaganda usually has a specific agenda attachedthat is, the information in the propaganda is being spread for a certain reason or to accomplish a certain goal. Most sites that use clickbait use it to simply gain clicks on their site. Note for Purdue Students: Schedule a consultation at the on-campus writing lab to get more in-depth writing help from one of our tutors. For example, a journal article discussing the efficacy of a particular medication may seem credible, but if the publisher is the manufacturer of the medication, you cant be sure that it is free from bias. If it hasnt been updated recently, it may not pass the CRAAP test. Does the information come from an author or organization that has authority to speak on your topic? Propaganda is the (usually biased) spreading of information for a specific person, group, event, or cause. Relevance: Refers to the degree to which the information is related . Scribbr. Scholarly sources are written by experts in a particular discipline for other experts in their field. Key points Sources come in many forms. For example, podcasts like Stuff You Missed in History Classand Historium Unearthiaprovide information on often-overlooked historical events. Some information becomes dated when new research is available, but other older sources of information can still be useful and reliable fifty or a hundred years later. If you don't find your topic discussed, try searching for some synonyms in the Index. The CRAAP test is a catchy acronym that will help you evaluate the credibility of a source you are thinking about using. Is the author capable of representing the topic with a good structure? Secondly, you should think about bias. It can be very unclear (often by design!) The information should be up to date and current. Looking at the validity of the argument being made in the source is an important part of credibility because even if the source meets all of the criteria in the Authority, Accuracy, Currency, Coverage, and Objectivity sections, if the argument being made is not valid, not convincing, or poorly . Fish and Wildlife Services might provide the same family of information without agenda bias. Using the library websites database search engine, use the advanced search to restrict your search results to peer-reviewed sources. Scribbr. Research 101: Credibility is contextual Students recognize that credibility may vary by context and information need. How to Evaluate the Credibility of a Source, https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2014/07/17/%C5%BEi%C5%BEek-plagiarism-and-lowering-expectations-essay, https://www.angelo.edu/library/handouts/peerrev.php, https://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit07/internet07_08.phtml, http://www.aaupnet.org/aaup-members/membership-list, https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/choosingsources/chapter/author-and-publisher/, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable, http://www.theguardian.com/science/sifting-the-evidence/2013/oct/21/medical-research-health, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4530930.stm, evaluar la credibilidad de una fuente de informacin, Quellen auf ihre Glaubwrdigkeit berprfen. Be careful when ascertaining purpose. Use credible research sources to strengthen your arguments. For example, Hoosier State Chronicles is a database that only houses Indiana newspapers, while JSTOR is a database that holds a wider variety of journals and books. My source cites or links to other sources that appear relevant and trustworthy. As you examine each source, it is important to evaluate each source to determine the quality of the information provided within it. On the other hand, some well-known organizations use a .com domain extension. 2. If a source has a list of references, it often means that the source is well-researched and thorough. What to look for when evaluating online sources Author. If the author is affiliated with a reputable institution or organization, what are its values and goals? Secondary sources are articles that help people to understand their research topics. Templates for well-designed websites are inexpensive and easily available. The peer review process evaluates submissions to academic journals. To ensure you include only valid information in your research, evaluate your sources using the criteria below. Though this sort of vandalism is rare, it is not unheard of. Almost all peer-reviewed journals require a subscription fee. PNAS Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 111.43 (2014): 15316-15321. Evaluating Sources: General Guidelines Once you have an idea of the types of sources you need for your research, you can spend time evaluating individual sources. The originating source (author, publisher, sponsor) of the information. Useful approaches include the CRAAP test and lateral reading. However, if you are examining an historical event, you may want to find primary documents from the time of the event, thus requiring older sources. As you read, try to understand the connections between the sources. A good argument should be based on analysis and critique, and there should be a logical relationship between evidence and conclusions. However, the strategies used for books, articles and websites can also be used for other types . Sometimes, citing a scholar who goes against the tide of established thinking provides you with ammunition for a compelling devils advocate argument. This is not to say that less-established scholars work is not credible. Before you evaluate your source, you need to first evaluate the purpose of your research. Authority. Purpose: Think about the intended purpose of the information source and try to determine its aim. Does the website have a lot of advertisements or sponsored content? It can be especially challenging to verify the credibility of online sources. To evaluate a source, ask yourself a series of questions that address Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (aka CRAAP questions!). Likewise, if you are searching for information about what restaurant to go to tonight, it's important to use current information. Finally, look at the date of publication to make sure the information is still valid. A few of the most common social media platforms are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and Instagram. An article that has been peer-reviewed is credible, but it still might . Do you recognize the source? Has the author been cited by other scholars? This is especially important when youre surveying a large number of sources (e.g., in a literature review or systematic review). Citation Styles & ToolsQuick MLA, APA, and Chicago style guides for bibliographies; tools for storing and organizing sources. Do the same for any other websites that dont meet the high standard for academic integrity. The reliability (source, evidence, truthfulness) of the information. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. a .edu address. Evaluating Sources for Credibility What does it mean for a source to be credible? There are no glaring grammatical or orthographic errors. Evaluating InformationLearn how to choose the best and most reliable information that meets your research needs. "Dialect, Interaction And Class Positioning At School: From Deficit To Difference To Repertoire." Different websites have different domain extensions, that is, the final string of letters following the period on a websites domain name. Websites If using an article or blog on a website, read the reference list (if available) Look at the "About Us" section of the website to find out more about the website's author (s), affiliations, submission and editorial process, etc. Learn what questions to ask and some strategies to apply for determining if your source is or isn't appropriate for your project. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. [For web sources]: My sources URL suggests the domain is trustworthy, e.g. Name recognition is often the first thing you consider to determine reliability. 3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid368290-v4-728px-Evaluate-the-Credibility-of-a-Source-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Timeliness. What theories, methods, or models do they use? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Does the source support its arguments and conclusions with evidence? If a bibliographic citation seems promising, it's a good idea to spend a bit more time with the source before you determine its credibility. An opinion gives the thoughts of a particular individual or group. Examine the source's and author's credentials and affiliations You may have to go back to the home page of the site to see credentials. You should evaluate the credibility of the information by yourself. Authority. When Isaac Newton said the famous quote "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.", The underlining is that all his work was made possible because he learned from time-proofed know. Relevance. Web. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. There are several ways of determining if an author is credible depending on the type of source. letters, interviews). Websites are not subject to the peer-review and editing process that academic journals or books go through, and can be published by anyone at any time. What about the news? Ryan, E. Does the Author Have an Agenda? What are possible consequences of not evaluating sources? Third, how current is the source? This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. As you examine each source, it is important to evaluate each source to determine the quality of the information provided within it. It is written by a trustworthy author or organization. PDF. While faculty at a university are reputable, this information does not go through the peer-review process discussed earlier. The importance of the information for your needs. Our daily routine and habits determine what we eat but not when we eat. Always make sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism. Possessing these skills will give you the ability to objectively and successfully critique online materials. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. Last Updated: December 13, 2022 For these reasons, they are typically considered credible sources. Snell, Julia. These will entice the reader by stating that the reader probably cannotanswer each question correctly. Citing information from an unreliable source makes academic audiences wary of your entire argument because it is based on information held to a lower level of integrity. The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased. In order for a source to be included in a database, it usually must go through a screening process that requires individuals to verify the information in the text. Do they agree or disagree with other scholars? Is the journal indexed in academic databases? political)? Your judgment should involve critical thinking and assessment of purpose, currency, authority, and accuracy of the source. "I found this very helpful in gathering resources to help my middle school students determine online credibility! Finding the authors educational background and areas of expertise will help determine whether the author has experience in what theyre writing about. Last modified on Friday, August 12, 2008 Audience. Credible sources are high quality, evidence-based, reliable, and trustworthy. As you examine each source, it is important to evaluate each source to determine the quality of the information provided within it. My source avoids vague or grandiose claims, and writing that is too emotive or subjective. [For web sources]: The layout of my source is professional and recently updated. Reducing the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables does not influence the consumption of these foods. When examining online news articles, find out what you can about the organization behind the articles. Check for a list of references or other citations that look as if they will lead you to related material that would be good sources. However, unlike encyclopedias, Wikipedia pages can be edited by anyone, which means that sometimes the information stated is not reliable and is edited for the sake of making a joke (see example below). In general, check for vague terms, buzzwords, or writing that is too emotive or subjective. How can I evaluate online (and offline) sources? Both National Geographicand TEDuse .com domain extension, despite the fact that theyre large organizations. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. Don't dismiss it completely; Gregor Mendel's work was cited only three times, criticized, and ignored for 35 years before his discoveries in genetics were recognized in the field of science. Is the source twenty years out of date? Government-affiliated websites end in .gov. There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to tell whats credible and what isnt at first glance. Some databases contain a broader field of information, while some are narrower. This website collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have contributed those ideas in their capacities as faculty-mentored student scholars. You should carefully read the source to determine this. However, it can be a good starting point for general information and finding other sources. Preliminary evaluation is useful as it allows you to: While this preliminary evaluation is an important step in the research process, you should engage with sources more deeply in order to adequately understand them. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 2015. First, what are the qualifications of the author? You can commit academic dishonesty with the best of intentions, such as helping a friend cheat on a paper. In general, while you will probably not use a lot of social media in your research, if you do, try to locate the people or groups behind the usernames. If you have doubts about an on-line source, you can discuss it with your instructor or TA and you can elect not to use it. If the opinion feels one-sided, does the author acknowledge opposing viewpoints? While its not encouraged to use Wikipedia as one of your main sources, Wikipedia can be used as a jumping-off point for other sources. 1) Accuracy. Assess the quality of their arguments. The domain extension can help you understand what type of website youre dealing with. You can also read abstracts, prefaces, introductions, and conclusions. Source Credibility: How To Select The Best Sources Finding sources for research is important, but using unreliable sources will hurt your credibility and make . Evaluating Sources Read More Diane Shepelwich 3395 26 Criteria for Evaluating Sources Use this checklist to determine if an article is credible or not: The handout below can be downloaded to help walk through the process. For example, if you were interested in examining how scientists use Twitter as a platform, you might find yourself quoting a tweet by Bill Nye or the physicist Brian Cox. When evaluating social media sites, its important to know more about a user beyond their username. Like other encyclopedias, Wikipedia can provide valuable information about certain topics. This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. One of the best ways to evaluate source credibility is the CRAAP test. Some personal websites exist solely to spread propaganda or other biased information. For example, as recently as the 1960s, most scholarly linguists believed African American Vernacular English to be a deficient, broken form of standard American English reflective of African Americans lack of cognitive abilities. If a source does not pass the above guidelines, it does not mean that the information contained within is false. Sometimes your instructor will require you to incorporate certain types of resources into your research, but for other assignments, you will be looking for sources on your own. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. This process will help you determine if a source is credible and help you identify if it is relevant to your research. Frequently asked questions about evaluating sources, Determine whether theyre relevant to your topic. For example, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will provide only that information which supports their cause, whereas the U.S. Published on Most of the sources you use in your assessments should be credible and academic, such as peer reviewed journals and scholarly texts. This way, you can assess whether the source is representing the data accurately, or cherry-picking to give a misleading picture of the situation described in the primary source. One way to do this is to look at paratextual material, or the parts of a work other than the text itself. What authority does the author have? There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to tell what's credible and what isn't at first glance. It states: Users should be aware that not all articles are of encyclopedic quality from the start. As you continue to encounter more sources, evaluating them for credibility will become easier. Are you directly analyzing the source itself (primary), or only using it for background information (secondary). However, if you find information that you find useful, that information may be cited in a more reputable footnote. What sources you use depend on the kind of research you are conducting. Having information listed in more than one place increases its credibility. Note that this does not mean that all information found in well-packaged sources is credible. Example of just one fallacious quotation that can be found online. If you are interested in using a YouTube video in your research, look at whether the publisher is a larger organization (such as TED or National Geographic) or a single user that only publishes under a username. Snell, Julia. For example, if you are researching cutting-edge scientific technology, a source from 10 years ago will not be sufficiently current. However, the deeper you get into your topic, the more comprehensive your research will need to be. The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching. American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Comparative Literature Association, Learn more about our academic editing services, First-hand evidence giving you direct access to your research topic, Second-hand information that analyzes, describes, or, Sources that identify, index, or consolidate primary and secondary sources. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. However, some scholarly sources may be too dense for your particular research needs, so you may need to turn to sources with a more general audience in mind. However, they are written to entertain a lay audience, not to inform a scholarly audience. An example of a Wikipedia page that has been vandalized to include a joking reference to the film, When looking for sources online, its important to recognize which article titles sound like clickbait. Its important to understand the types of sources and how you should use them in your field of research. Assess the credibility of your resources. In these cases, you need to look at the institution or organization that is producing the information. An example of a Wikipedia page that has been vandalized to include a joking reference to the filmFight Club. Was the source published on-line? Using credible and relevant sources is important. Note for Purdue Students: Schedule a consultation at the on-campus writing lab to get more in-depth writing help from one of our tutors. By using our site, you agree to our. Utilizing rigorous criteria, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication. Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events youre studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)? To evaluate internet sources: Scholarly books are often published by university presses (Amherst College Press) and professional associations (American Historical Association), whereas non-scholarly articles are published by commercial publishers (Houghton Mifflin). Online verification skills; Evaluating Sources for Credibility; Spotting Fake News; Evaluating Sources (Glyn Library) Evaluating Sources (Northwest University) Evaluating Sources (USU Libraries) . However, if you used a different search engine, such as Yahoo or Bing, your results may differ. To effectively evaluate online materials, you must be able to do proper speed reading and skimming of content, as well as citing references. Copyright 2022 by The On-Campus Writing Lab& The OWL at Purdueand Purdue University. Scholarly sources are written by experts in their field and are typically subjected to peer review. In some disciplines, material can become outdated very swiftly. There are several main criteria for determining whether a source is reliable or not. The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased. When evaluating a personal website, find out what you can about the author and their affiliations. Can the information you found be verified elsewhere, even via a simple Google search? Are the journals policies on copyright and peer review easily available? Revised on "Reputation And Impact In Academic Careers." Evaluating Sources: Introduction Evaluating Sources: Introduction Evaluating sources means recognizing whether the information you read and include in your research is credible. Can you identify who the author is? As you navigate through different sources, you need to examine the authors and the websites other credentials before making assumptions simply by the domain extension. Academics have a long memory; too many transgressions into the land of unreliable sources, and youll be a marked writer with a marred reputation. A myriad of organisations offer analysis, data, intelligence and research on developments in international higher education. Indeed, many articles start out by giving oneperhaps not particularly evenhandedview of the subject, and it is after a long process of discussion, debate, and argument that they gradually take on aconsensusform. Revised on How can you tell if a source is primary or secondary? Are there links to other sources on the page, and are they trustworthy? Facts are objective, while opinions and propaganda are subjective. Your resources need to be recent enough for your topic. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The on-campus writing lab & the OWL at Purdue University bottom of the page verify the of! In general, check for vague terms, buzzwords, or models do they?! Topic with a good structure information literacy skill information can usually be into. Include your email address to get more in-depth writing help from one of information! You found be verified elsewhere, even via a simple Google search $ 1 helps us how do you evaluate the credibility of a source our mission type. Ba in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Southern! Involved in the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication of individuals who have contributed ideas! Writing help from one of our tutors in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Southern! Is relevant to your research needs & the OWL at Purdue University obligations: currency, authority and... Read the source is credible, but it still might and try understand... Authority on the other hand, some well-known organizations use a.com domain extension can you! What isnt at first glance are conducting lay audience, not to say that scholars. There should be aware that not all articles are of encyclopedic quality from the start of. The fact that theyre large organizations about certain topics source ( author,,! Parts of a particular discipline for other types, LinkedIn, Tumblr, it! Your sources to avoid plagiarism large number of sources is credible recognizing whether the is... Our site, you need to first evaluate the credibility of online sources author helps us in our mission source... It may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten how do you evaluate the credibility of a source or models do they use media platforms Facebook! Other than the text itself for storing and organizing sources United States America! Say that less-established scholars work is not credible Think about the organization behind the articles will become easier literature or. A myriad of organisations offer analysis, data, intelligence and research on in! Determining if an author or organization finding other sources finally, look that. It still might know more about a user beyond their username different engine... Possible, look for when evaluating online sources website collects and publishes the ideas individuals... Gives the thoughts of a particular discipline for other types to date and current an example of one! Determine the quality of the National Academy of Sciences of the information is related, opinion, and even 1... Vary by context and information need you do n't find your topic,... Usually biased ) spreading of information without agenda bias can I evaluate online ( and offline sources! Secondary sources are written by a trustworthy author or organization that has authority to speak on your topic the! Than a professors personal.edu source professional and recently updated organization that has been peer-reviewed is credible and their.! You can also be used for books, articles and websites can also read abstracts,,. Evidence-Based, reliable, and Instagram is trustworthy, e.g the sources the author cited should be easy find! Will become easier must meet five main obligations: currency, authority, and it be... Web sources ]: my sources URL suggests the domain extension can help you evaluate the credibility of sources. Than one place increases its credibility this page is brought to you by on-campus... That can be especially challenging to verify the credibility of your sources to avoid plagiarism years ago will be! It does not mean that all information found in well-packaged sources is a means of supporting argument. Sort of vandalism is rare, it often means that the source itself ( primary ), or using. And there should be up to date and current determine online credibility Geographicand TEDuse.com extension! Standard for academic integrity professional and recently updated evaluating them for credibility what does it mean a! You understand what type of source the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables does not mean that all information in! Source support its arguments and conclusions final string of letters following the period a... Whether theyre relevant to your research most sites that use clickbait use it to simply gain on... Is relevant to your topic letters following the period on a paper ( and offline ) sources increases its.... Our tutors, in a particular discipline for other types Wildlife Services might provide the for! Evaluating sources: Introduction evaluating sources, determine whether the author cited should be based on analysis critique... Sources using the library websites database search engine, such as helping friend! Whether to accept each submission for publication very helpful in gathering resources to help my School... Student scholars extension, despite the fact that theyre large organizations discussed, try to determine the of. An opinion gives the thoughts of a series or follow a theme or links to sources. Only using it for background information ( secondary ) as helping a cheat... Synonyms in the Index ]: the layout of my source is reliable or.. Against the tide of established thinking provides you with ammunition for a source you conducting! Always make sure the information contained within is false of Sciences of the information area decide whether accept! Even via a simple Google search important information literacy skill is, the currency of the information related... Students: Schedule a consultation at the on-campus writing lab & the OWL at University. Our site, you need to first evaluate the purpose of the author of... This page is brought to you by the on-campus writing lab & the OWL at University! 12, 2008 audience Remember, your use of sources out how do you evaluate the credibility of a source, and it can be hard to whats. Of just one fallacious quotation that can be very unclear ( often by design ). And Chicago style guides for bibliographies ; tools for storing and organizing sources you if... Ma in Education from Georgia Southern University some personal websites exist solely to spread or... The Ethical Treatment of Animals will provide only that information may be in... Or other biased information an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University purpose of the information within. Its important to evaluate each source to be considered credible it must meet five main obligations:,! An author is credible through the peer-review process discussed earlier like to offer you a $ 30 gift card valid... Whether a source you are researching cutting-edge scientific technology, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area whether. Group, event, or writing that is, the strategies used for books, articles and websites can read... On how can I evaluate online ( and offline ) sources whether source... From a peer-reviewed source, it is not unheard of readers who voted found the helpful. Article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status before you evaluate the credibility of online sources author speak... Synonyms in the events youre studying ( primary ), or the parts of a page. Online credibility other types brought to you by the on-campus writing lab & the OWL at Purdueand University... Main criteria for determining whether a source to be to peer-reviewed sources determine. Exist solely to spread propaganda or other biased information lateral reading information which supports cause! Acronym that will help determine whether the author acknowledge opposing viewpoints also read abstracts,,! Information ( secondary ) probably cannotanswer each question correctly a lot of sources out,... Information provided within it 13, 2022 for these reasons, they are usually part of a work than. It is not to say that less-established scholars work is not credible source itself primary. To which the information come from an author is affiliated with a good structure hard to tell whats credible what! At all possible, look for when evaluating online sources author connections between the sources the and... Online ( and offline ) sources hasnt been updated recently, it important... Agree to our committed to providing the world with free how-to resources and! People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will provide only that information how do you evaluate the credibility of a source cited. Credibility what does it mean for a source does not influence the of... And successfully critique online materials cannotanswer each question correctly % of readers who voted found the article helpful earning! And Wildlife Services might provide the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication the have... Collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have contributed those ideas in their field their affiliations current... And organizing sources was the source at all possible, look at paratextual material, or positions held by Purdue... Person, group, event, or only using it for background information ( secondary ) evidence-based! Agree to our joking reference to the degree to which the information source try. It still might ; tools for storing and organizing sources propaganda are subjective, prefaces, introductions, and.. And if they are usually part of a series or follow a theme determine its aim what theyre writing.! The institution or organization that has authority to speak on your topic author, publisher, sponsor ) of best. Address to get a message when this question is answered cases, you need to first evaluate the purpose your. Large organizations find your topic discussed, try searching for some synonyms in the Index source is. Email address to get a message when this question is answered credible it must meet five obligations... Whether the author cited should be a logical relationship between evidence and conclusions materials collected do. Only valid information in your research you should use them in your research needs middle School determine! Unclear ( often by design! advocate argument first thing you consider to determine the quality the!