When evaluating resources, it's important to dig a little deeper to uncover factors that can greatly impact the quality and reliability of your research. A source’s purpose, creation process, and age can all influence its value depending on your research topic.
Every source has a purpose, but is it to inform, persuade, or sell? Even credible resources can have a subtle bias and it's important you can spot when bias is being shown.
Ask yourself:
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Does the author present multiple perspectives or just one side of the story? |
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Does the author present multiple perspectives or just one side of the story? |
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Are opposing views misrepresented, dismissed, or ignored entirely? |
Why it matters: Understanding a source’s bias helps you spot potential gaps or wrong interpretations. When we spot this bias, we can either avoid it or address to make sure our work is fair and balanced.
Some sources go through a rigorous review process where experts in the field critique the content before publication. This is quite common with scholarly articles.
Signs of a peer-reviewed source:
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Published in an academic journal. |
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Has a peer-reviewed label in your search tool/on the database. |
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Includes a “reviewed by” section or mentions a panel of experts. |
To find out if a journal has been peer reviewed you can look up the journal information on UlrichsWeb.
Why it matters: Peer-reviewed sources are generally more reliable and have undergone scrutiny to ensure the research is accurate and valuable.
Depending on your topic, the date of publication can sometimes make or break a source’s relevance.
Current information: Essential for fast-changing fields like technology, medicine, or law.
For example, a 5-year-old article on cybersecurity might already be outdated.
Historical information: Vital for topics that rely on understanding how ideas or events developed over time.
A firsthand account from 1900 about life during the Industrial Revolution is invaluable for historical research.
How to decide: Ask whether your research needs the latest insights or historical context to answer your question.
Sometimes the best research draws on a combination of all these factors. A well-rounded argument might include:
✦ Up-to-date research for cutting-edge developments.
✦ Historical sources to provide context.
✦ Different perspectives to balance bias and give depth to your analysis.
By keeping these additional considerations in mind, you'll go beyond surface-level evaluation and select resources that truly elevate your work.
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