Evaluating sources
Section outline
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Nowadays, you have numerous sources of information at your disposal.
In the university context, preference should be given to using information from academic sources. Scientific research makes verifiable claims based on comprehensible methods and documents them so they are available for subsequent use.
Academic sources (such as publications, studies and data) are therefore your first port of call for reliable information. Prior to using any information, be sure to verify that it actually comes from academic sources and check whether these are reliable. -
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If you wish to use information in an academic context, several requirements must be met:
The source must be citable
Can the source be found and is it available?
In order to find the source, sufficient bibliographical information should be available. This includes the title, author, date of publication, edition and the publishing institution (publisher, authority, company, university).
The source should be accessible to erveryone. This means that it should be available in locations open to the public, such as bookshops, libraries, archives or via permanent internet links.
Please note: the retrievability of conference contributions, working papers and other unpublished materials is not always possible and must be checked carefully.
The source must be citation worthy
Does the source meet scientific quality criteria?
- Treatment of an academic issue
- Clear outline and structure
- References to other texts and sources
- Bibliography and possibly appendices
- Scientific, precise terminology
- Appropriate, comprehensible methodology and theoretical basis
In a first step, it must first be clarified whether the source is actually academic in nature. In a second, it must then be determined how well scientific quality criteria are met. This allows for a source’s citation worthiness to be evaluated (see also CRAAP-Test).
Scientific quality criteria may include the following:
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When was the information published?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Is the information current or outdated for your topic?
Do the links work?
How current does the information need to be? Currency of different publication typesDoes the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Who is the target audience?
Is the information of an appropriate level (i.e. neither too elementary nor too advanced for your needs)?
Did you take the time to look at different sources before opting for this one?
Who is the target audience?Who is the author of the source?
Is the author’s organisational affiliation indicated?
What qualifications does the author have to write about the topic?
Is there contact information, such as an e-mail address?
Does the URL reveal anything about the author or the source?
Is somebody well known enough?Where does the information come from?
Is the information supported by evidence? Are there references or a bibliography?
Has the information been checked or subjected to a peer review?
Can you verify the information in another source or through your personal knowledge?
Does the language and tone seem unbiased and neutral?
Are there typographical, spelling or grammatical errors?
Video: Peer Review in 3 Minutes Excursus on the generalisability of form in the context of meta-analysis and case studiesWhat is the purpose of the information? Is it intended to inform or teach, sell something, provide entertainment or persuade others?
Do the authors or sponsors make their intentions clear?
Does the information represent a fact, an opinion or propaganda?
Does the perspective appear objective and impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
