As you gather your sources, be critical about the information you include in your finished product. Select the most reliable sources that do the best job of answering your topic or your research question. Analyze the information and identify any strengths, weaknesses, contradictions and gaps in the research. Look for patterns, connections, trends, and generalizations in the information. 

Some helpful tips:

 

 How to Evaluate Your Sources

Now that you know why it's important to evaluate your sources, you need to know how to evaluate them. Watch the video below for more information on how to evaluate a source before you decide to use it for your assignment.

"Evaluating Sources: How to Evaluate Sources" by Purdue Libraries is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Evaluating Sources: How to Evaluate Sources - Transcript 

 

 Evaluation Checklist

Consider the following evaluation criteria, some of which are discussed in the video above, to assess the quality and appropriateness of your sources.

 Authority

 Publisher

 Accuracy

 Currency

 Coverage

 Point of View


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