Source Evaluation

"Source evaluation is the process of critically evaluating information in relation to a given purpose in order to determine if it is appropriate for the intended use" (How to do Research). Using high quality resources will ensure that you find the most accurate, up-to-date information available on a topic. Working with reliable sources will allow you to construct your own ideas and research with confidence. 

Whether you are working with research on the worldwide web, or directly through the Kettering University Library, it is important to evaluate each source you use. The librarians at Kettering University have constructed a checklist that can be used to review sources, and provide you with a clear idea of what to look for in a quality source. Please see the sidebar or click here for a copy of the checklist to view online, or print as a PDF to work from as you complete your research! 

The source evaluation checklist is based on 5 concepts:

• Authority- Who is the author and are they credible?
• Currency- When was the work created and does this timeframe serve the needs of your research?
• Accuracy- Is the work backed up by evidence?
• Objectivity/Purpose- What is the intention of the work and is it fact-based?
• Privilege/Bias- What background does the author have and is the work slanted toward an opinion?

The library has created a series of 5 short videos to help in understanding and applying these 5 concepts as you work through the checklist. These videos can be viewed as a series, or individually to help with understanding a certain concept. Check out the videos below!