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CHS Library Subject Guides: Evaluating Sources

Source Evaluation Criteria

When deciding which sources to use for your research, remember to apply The C.R.A.A.P Test and evaluate by Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.

What About Wikipedia?

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has made finding background information incredibly easy.  But if you are planning to use it as a key resource for your research beware:

  • Wikipedia can be a good place to start your research, but is generally not considered an acceptable source to cite.
  • The collaborative and dynamic nature of Wikipedia presents a number of additional concerns regarding the quality and authority of the entries.
  • See what Wikipedia has to say about this topic.

 

Databases vs. The Web

DATABASES                        
 WEB
  • Evaluated; credible information created by subject experts

  • Advance searching criteria available - results can be filtered for precision

  • More efficient

  • Content is stable and easily retrievable for future research

  • No standards in place, anyone can publish, NOT evaluated for accuracy and reliability

  • Search results not easily filtered, too many results; duplicates

  • Wastes time sifting and evaluating numerous results

  • No guarantees the same content will be available at a later date

Video: Evaluating Websites

How to Use Google for Research

When using Google for your research use Google Advanced Search or Google Scholar.

Or try these Google Search Tips to target or refine your topic.

Google Scholar Search

Scholarly vs. Popular

Scholarly or Peer-Reviewed Journals

  • Written for a subject specific academic audience by scholars with credentials listed
  • Vetted by subject peers or experts
  • Contain original research / data; footnotes and bibliography
  • Not for profit
  • Click Here for a more complete explanation of the peer review process from UC Berkeley

Popular Magazine or Newspapers

  • Written for a general audience by journalists who may not have special subject expertise
  • Do not have footnotes or sources listed
  • Not peer-reviewed
  • Opinion pieces and editorials can have bias
  • For profit