FSYM 101: First-Year Symposium: Evaluating Sources

In determining a source’s credibility, consider the source’s purpose and the author's authority:

Why was the source created?

• To entertain?
• To persuade or sell something?
• To inform objectively?

Is the creator qualified to be an authoritative voice on the topic? Look for:

• Firsthand, lived experience
• Educational background
• Published or practiced expertise

Understanding both who is speaking and why they’re speaking helps you critically evaluate the reliability of the information.

Think about whether the information is still accurate or relevant today.

When was it published, and has anything changed since then?

It is never so easy as to say "only use sources from the past five years." If this (or something like it) is guidance you've heard, your instructor has offered that guidance within a certain research context, whether you have realized it or not.

Is the age of the information suitable for the goals of the assignment?

Is this source relevant to my specific research question or assignment goals?

A source may be accurate and related to your topic, but that doesn’t always mean it’s useful for your particular purpose. Consider whether the source helps you analyze, support a claim, or build your argument.

Strong research relies on evidence and agreement among multiple trustworthy sources.

When evaluating a source, ask yourself:

• Is the claim supported by evidence? Look for research studies, statistics, historical facts, images, or citations.
• Do other reliable sources agree? Consensus among experts or outlets with different perspectives strengthens credibility.
• Can the findings be replicated? Especially important in scientific research.

Remember: your own work should reflect these standards. Always cite your sources to demonstrate the strength of your research.

Who is the source for?

• Can anyone read, understand, and use it?
• Is it for experts who already know something or a lot about the topic?
• Somewhere in between?

What does the source type tell me about the work in question?