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Asnuntuck CCS: Research Basics

Evaluating Sources

Once you start finding sources for your assignments, you need to evaluate them for credibility and appropriateness for your need. Below is a quick introduction to what we mean as Credible and a tool, the SCAAN Test, to determine if the source is right for your need. 

What is a Credible Source?

 Video created by NCSU Libraries

The What, Why, How of Credibility 

  

What do we mean by "credible"?

We mean sources that are:

  • High quality 
  • Trustworthy

Why should you use credible sources?

They help with:

  • Your credibility as a researcher
  • The effectiveness of your argument
  • To build of the existing literature

How can you tell if a source is credible?

You can tell by looking at:

  • Author expertise: Are they an expert in the field? What's their credentials
  • Point of view: Does the source have bias? Is it an opinion piece? (You can still use it but must acknowledge it)
  • Date of publication: Is it still relevant or correct?
  • Appropriateness: Is the right type of source for my purpose? 

 

SCAAN Test to Evaluate Sources

 

Adapted from the USC LibGuide

https://libguides.usc.edu/evaluate​

 Source type: ​

  • Does this source answer your research question? ​

  • Is it an appropriate type (scholarly or popular, for instance) for your question? ​

  • Does this contain the information you need to support your argument?

Currency: ​

  • Is this source up-to-date? ​

  • Do I need a resource that contains historical information?

Accuracy: ​

  • Is this source accurate? ​

  • Does its logic make sense to me? ​

  • Are there any internal contradictions? ​

  • Does it link or refer to its sources? ​

  • Does more current data affect the accuracy of the content?

Authority: ​

  • Who created or authored this source? ​

  • Could the author or creator bring any biases to the information presented? ​

  • Is the author or creator a reputable or well-respected agent in the subject area?

Neutrality: ​

  • Is this source intended to educate, inform, or sell? ​

  • What is the purpose of this source?