LibGuides: Research Tips: Evaluating Sources

Criteria for Evaluating Sources

Accuracy: Is the information accurate and supported by evidence?

Authority: What is the author’s background?

Coverage: How comprehensive and detailed is the provided information?

Currency: How up to date is the source?

Familiarity: Do you recognize the publication / publisher?

Format: What type of source is it? (e.g., book, scholarly article, website.)

Gaps: Does the source help fill in gaps in your knowledge or research?

Purpose: Why was the source written/created?

Relevance: How closely does the source match your topic?

Scholarliness: Is the source written by academics or experts in their field?

Support: Does the source support or contradict information in other sources you’ve found?

Source: Adapted from Hosier, Allison. (2022). Using context in information literacy instruction: beyond basic skills. ALA Editions.

Source Evaluation Methods

BEAM Model (Developed by Joseph Bizup)
B = Background (factual information - provides context)
E = Exhibit / Evidence (information that can be analyzed)
A = Argument (critical views from scholars and commentators)
M = Method (refers to methods or theories used)
CRAAP (Cal State Chico)
C = Currency (timeliness of the information)
R = Relevance (importance of the information for your needs)
A = Authority (source of the information)
A = Accuracy (reliability, truthfulness, & correctness of the content)
P = Purpose (reason the information exists)
P.R.O.V.E.N (Developed by Ellen Carey)
P = Purpose (how & why created)
R = Relevance (value of source for your needs)
O = Objectivity (reasonableness & completeness of source)
V = Verifiability (accuracy & truthfulness of the information)
E = Expertise (authority of the authors & source)
N = Newness (age of the information)
SIFT (Developed by Mike Caulfield)
The SIFT method is primarily for social media, newsfeeds, and other online resources.
S = Stop - do you know the source and it's reputation?
I = Investigate the source
F = Find better coverage
T = Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context.

Peer Review

Prior to publishing a book or article that is considered scholarly, the research needs to be reviewed by one or more experts in the field. They may recommend it be published, give suggestions to strengthen the piece, or recommend that it not be published. You can limit your search to peer reviewed journals by checking the filter box in the library catalog and most databases.

Check out this great video from Steely Library NKU:

Source Evaluation Resources & Guides

Source Evaluation Worksheet
Download and fill out this worksheet to help you evaluate sources you find for your research projects.

Evaluating Sources Cheat Sheet | Ikeda Library
When thinking about a source and whether or not we plan on using it in our research, we want to take a moment to critically evaluate it. This process can be done before we even read/listen/engage with the source by asking ourselves the following questions.

Cranky Uncle - Recognizing Misinformation Game (Monash Univ. - Australia)
Play this animated game to build your resistance to misinformation. Can download the app or use on your computer.
Evaluating Web Pages (UC Berkeley)
Questions to Ask & Strategies for Getting the Answers.
Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Sites (Cornell University)
A brief table of tips and questions to ask about webpages.
Identifying Bias (Univ. of WI - Green Bay)
Identifying bias can be tricky because it is not clearly stated. Bias can exist on a spectrum of political ideology, religious views, financial influence, misinformation, and more. All sources should be evaluated for potential bias -- from a tweeted link to a scholarly article.
Asking Crucial Questions (Librarian Blog)
An evaluation checklist is helpful but not the only way to assess a source. Consider asking these crucial questions.
David Lemmon is a librarian at George Mason University.

Media Bias Chart

Interactive Media Bias Chart - Ad Fontes Media
Click here to access the interactive chart to get more information about specific sources.

Differences between Magazines and Journals

Webcast
Here is a webcast from the University of Arkansas Libraries, explaining the differences between magazines and scholarly journals.

Research Tips: Evaluating Sources

When evaluating sources, consider the following: