by UTEP Connect
Research papers are a large part of many college courses, and the quality of your paper will only be as good as your research. The internet makes research on almost any topic more convenient and accessible than in the past, but it also presents some challenges. With all the information that’s online, how do you know if you’re using a reliable source?
The following tips will help you tell a good source from one that’s biased, outdated, or inaccurate:
1. Check the domain name
Look at the three letters at the end of the site’s domain name, such as “edu” (educational), “gov” (government), “org” (nonprofit), and “com” (commercial). Generally, .edu and .gov websites are credible, but beware of sites that use these suffixes in an attempt to mislead. Nonprofit websites may also contain reliable information, but take some time to consider the organization’s purpose and agenda to determine if it could be biased. Commercial websites, such as those of reputable news organizations, can also be good sources, but do some investigation to look for signs of reliability.
Also, you can check online to see who owns a domain name and whether the owner’s IP address is in the U.S. or abroad.
2. Take a closer look at the source
Does the article or study have any authors listed? If so, do they cite or link to authoritative sources, or are they writing their own opinions without backing these up with facts? Are their credentials listed?
Additionally, check the date of publication. In some cases, it may not matter if the source is older or hasn’t been recently updated, but in fields of study where information can rapidly change, the data may be obsolete.
3. Search for additional information to back up what you’ve found
As you find information, try to verify its authenticity and legitimacy using other reliable sites. If you find another credible site that contradicts your original source, further research may be required.
4. Use certain sources only to jump-start additional research
Wikipedia
Wikipedia offers a large volume of information, but because its entries are created in a collaborative effort involving many different users, its reliability can vary widely. In some cases, users deliberately place incorrect information on the site; in others, well-meaning users unintentionally introduce inaccuracies. For these reasons, you can use Wikipedia as a jumping-off point to spark more research, but not as a source on its own.
Individual blogs, online forums, chat rooms, etc.
Much like Wikipedia, sources such as individuals’ blogs, online forums and chat rooms can be used to fuel further research, but shouldn’t be relied upon as sources of dependable information.
If you have a question about the authenticity of a source, you can always reach out to your professor; the University Writing Center at The University of Texas at El Paso; or the UTEP Library, which offers assistance via email (libraryref@utep.edu), SMS (915-249-3383) and phone (915-747-5643 or 915-747-5638).
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FAQs
It is important to be able to identify which sources are credible. This ability requires an understanding of depth, objectivity, currency, authority, and purpose. Whether or not your source is peer-reviewed, it is still a good idea to evaluate it based on these five factors.
What are 4 distinguishing characteristics of a credible source? ›
It is important to be able to identify which sources are credible. This ability requires an understanding of depth, objectivity, currency, authority, and purpose. Whether or not your source is peer-reviewed, it is still a good idea to evaluate it based on these five factors.
What are 4 ways you know if a source for information is accurate and reliable? ›
That criteria are as follows:
- Authority: Who is the author? What are their credentials? ...
- Accuracy: Compare the author's information to that which you already know is reliable. ...
- Coverage: Is the information relevant to your topic and does it meet your needs? ...
- Currency: Is your topic constantly evolving?
How do I know if a source is credible?
- An author who is an expert or a well-respected publisher (such as the NY Times or Wall Street Journal).
- Citations for sources used.
- Up-to-date information for your topic.
- Unbiased analysis of the topic (i.e. author examines more than one perspective on the issue).
Reliable Sources
- Authors work at a respected news organization—or are recognized as subject-area experts.
- The basic facts are consistent across different news outlets.
- Website URLs end with .edu, .gov, .info, or a reputable .com.
- Sources are cited and quoted.
- It's clear whether something is a fact or an opinion.
The four components of teacher credibility are trust, competence, dynamism or passion, and immediacy or closeness. As you think about each of these factors, remember teacher credibility is in the eyes of the students. The impact comes when students find their teachers credible in those four areas.
What are the 4 criteria for evaluating sources and why? ›
As you examine each source, you need to evaluate the quality of the information provided within it. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias.
How can you tell good research from bad or biased research? ›
13 Ways to Tell Good Research from Bad
- Is this research peer reviewed? ...
- Is it published in a top-tier academic journal? ...
- Do other scholars trust this work? ...
- Who funded the research? ...
- What are the authors' credentials? ...
- How old is the study? ...
- Do the authors have a conflict of interest? ...
- What's the sample size?
The criteria are:
- Currency: Timeliness of the information.
- Relevance: Importance of the information for your needs.
- Authority: Source of the information.
- Accuracy: Truthfulness and correctness of the information.
- Purpose: Reason the information exists.
- News media.
- Funeral homes.
- Scholarly journals.
- Wikipedia mirrors.
- Online sources.
- Self-published books.
- Who's who scams.
- Fansites.
Take a closer look at the source
Does the article or study have any authors listed? If so, do they cite or link to authoritative sources, or are they writing their own opinions without backing these up with facts? Are their credentials listed? Additionally, check the date of publication.
What are the traits of a good source? ›
To know if a source is reliable, a person needs to check its currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. When the researcher uses each of these characteristics of reliability, they will be able to assess how reliable a piece of information they are using is.
What is considered a good source? ›
A reliable source is one that provides a thorough, well-reasoned theory, argument, discussion, etc. based on strong evidence. Scholarly, peer-reviewed articles or books -written by researchers for students and researchers. Original research, extensive bibliography.
How do you identify good data sources? ›
Identifying relevant data sources involves defining project goals, understanding required information, and considering available databases, literature, and experts. Evaluate the reliability and credibility of potential sources.
How do you check if a website is a good source? ›
As you skim the website, ask yourself the following questions to see if the source is credible:
- Who is the author of the source?
- Where was the source published?
- What information does the source include and what does the source look like?
- When was the source published or updated?
- Why did the author create the source?
The best sources are usually from scholarly publications. Academic journals, for instance, are peer-reviewed, meaning experts in the field have approved the articles within. By comparison, an article on a blog or a Wikipedia page may have been reviewed less rigorously.
What are the four characteristics of credibility? ›
Being Credible—to Yourself and to Others
It's about developing the integrity, intent, capabilities, and results that make you believable, both to yourself and to others.
What are the characteristics of a reliable source? ›
The criteria are:
- Currency: Timeliness of the information.
- Relevance: Importance of the information for your needs.
- Authority: Source of the information.
- Accuracy: Truthfulness and correctness of the information.
- Purpose: Reason the information exists.
Articles. The definition of a credible source can change depending on the discipline, but in general, for academic writing, a credible source is one that is unbiased and is backed up with evidence. When writing a research paper, always use and cite credible sources.
What are the characteristics of credible evidence? ›
Good evidence needs to be reliable. It is representative, not just an isolated case, and it is information upon which an institution can take action to improve. It is relevant, verifiable, representative, and actionable.
