Is this a good source?
Use these guidelines when you’re thinking about using a source in your writing project. Rather than just picking a source because it “says what we need it to,” in academic writing we must carefully evaluate our sources and use information from sources purposefully.
Current
Timeliness of the information in the source.
- What does your assignment ask for?
- Is there a certain time period you need to focus on?
- How old or new is the source?
- Has the content been updated?
- Are there different versions of this source? Are you using the most recent version?
Relevant
Importance of the information that you’re talking about.
- Does it relate to your main point or argument?
- How do you plan to connect the information to what you’re writing?
Authoritative
The source of the information.
- Who is the author/writer of the information?
- What is the academic/professional background of the author(s)?
- Are they a scholar or professional in the field of your topic?
- Does their experience or background relate to or add to your argument?
Accurate
Reliability of the information.
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Is the evidence from academic sources?
- Has the information been reviewed by other professionals in the same field?
Purposeful
Why is the information useful.
- Why is author writing about this in the first place?
- Does the author clearly take a stance on the topic or issue?
- Is there any bias?
- Does this help to support your argument? Does it provide a counterargument?
- Why do you want to use it?
Common uses of sources include:
- To define a concept, term, or theory
- To show an example
- To illustrate or explain a method
- To provide background information
- To show what work others have done
- To provide evidence for a claim
- To provide specific details for clarity