SOC 134 Odyssey: Sociology of Race & Ethnicity in the United States (Fall 2024) : Evaluating Sources

It's vital that you evaluate a source before you use it in your paper!

One of THE BEST evaluation strategies is to find additional sources on the topic. Do they agree or disagree with the information you found?

Additionally, consider the following when examining a source:

RELEVANCE: What is it about?

• Examine title, abstract, introduction, and subject headings for connections to your research.

AUTHORITY: Who created it?

• Research the reputation of the website, magazine, journal, or publisher.
• Locate and verify author credentials and affiliations.
• Identify parent organizations and funding sources.

ACCURACY: Is it credible?

• Investigate whether conclusions are well-reasoned and supported with evidence.
• Verify information with another reputable source.

PURPOSE: Why was it written?

• Identify the intention of the source (to inform, persuade, etc.) to help detect potential bias.
• Identify intended audience (scholars, public, professionals).
• Inspect for author bias (e.g., omitting important information).

TIMELINESS: When was it created?

• Identify both when the research was conducted and the date of publication.
• Decide whether dates affect usefulness for your research.

As you find articles for your research paper/assignment, evaluate them for reliability before you use them.

Below are additional resources that may be helpful as you evaluate your sources.

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