Evaluating Sources

             As you locate materials on your topic, you will need to apply some critical skills to determine the potential usefulness of your sources.

             Described below are some of the characteristics to consider as you look at each new source for your research and some suggestions for making informed decisions about the probable value of that source to you.

SCOPE

 To what extent does the book or article cover your topic?

 Is it comprehensive or does it treat only one aspect of your topic?

             BOOKS

                         1.  Scan the table of contents.  What are the chapter headings?

                         2.  See whether the keywords which identify important aspects of
                              your research are listed in the index at the back of the book.

                        3.  Read the author's introduction to learn more about the purpose
                             and content of the book.

             PERIODICALS

                         1.  Scan subheadings in the text to get an idea of how the author
                              treats the subject.

                         2.  Articles in the sciences and social sciences from the scholarly
                              journals usually begin with an abstract, summarizing the content of
                              the article.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

             Is the vocabulary too technical for the paper you're writing?  Is the style of writing very complex?

 
DATE OF PUBLICATION    

             The publication date can be an important consideration in topics of a current or controversial nature, such as energy or balance of trade.  The date of publication is also of prime importance for scientific subjects where information is changing and expanding rapidly.

             The publication date can shed light on the treatment of a subject of historical interest.  For example, an article written by an eyewitness of the American evacuation of Vietnam at the time of that event could be very different from an article written ten years later.

 
LEVEL OF SCHOLARSHIP, AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS, AUTHOR'S BIAS

             It is very important to learn that merely because someone has succeeded in publishing a book or article, it does not necessarily follow that the article or book is a fair, accurate, or even knowledgeable treatment of the subject.  To find out more about your sources: 

            1.  Use the introduction to the book - this will often explain the author's purpose and interest in the subject, and it will frequently identify a particular approach, message or bias in the manner in which he or she handles that subject. 

            Many books and articles are written from a particular point of view or with a message to share.  This should not necessarily detract from the usefulness of the source, but it is important to recognize a bias when it exists and to learn to make your own critical judgments.  Do you agree with the author?  Does the author make a clear and informed case for his or her thoughts, findings, or beliefs? 

            2.  Look for biographical material about the author.  Publishers sometimes include brief information about the author, but for more objective information on the person’s credentials, you will want to check some of Myrin Library's biographical sources. 

            3.  Consider the intended audience of your source.  Just as some books are more scholarly than others, some periodicals are better research sources than others.  Magazines such as McCall's, Good Housekeeping, etc. rarely deal with topics in depth.  You will need to use the more scholarly professional journals that publish articles in your area of interest. 

            Journals published by scientific and educational institutions or associations are generally more scholarly than trade or commercial publications.