In today's world of boundless internet and the seemingly endless sources of information that come with it, determining which sources you can trust is a challenge. This also applies to determining which resources are best for your research. One strategy is to identify different factors you can evaluate when deciding whether to use a piece of information, such as the CORE Method. It's also important to remember that valid information can come in different forms from many source types. There is no "start here first" - instead different sources have different strengths and weaknesses depending on your particular research needs.

Evaluate sources within the context of your specific research needs

• Reflect upon your research needs
  • What depth of knowledge is needed?
  • Who would have that knowledge?
  • How current is the topic?
• Seek the most appropriate source to meet your needs
• Needs may change throughout the course of your research
• No one source is always best!

Do you need...

• A broad introduction to the topic?
• The most up-to-date information?
• An expert opinion?
• A fact or assertion verified?

The answers to these questions will change throughout your research.

Currency

• When was it produced?
• How frequent are updates to the source?
• Is information up-to-date?

Objectivity

• Why was it written?
• Does it contain facts or opinions?
• Is the viewpoint biased?

Reliability

• Is information verifiable?
• Are sources identified?
• Is it consistent with itself as well as with related outside sources?

Expertise

• Do authors have relevant experience?
• Was the source edited or peer-reviewed?
• Is the publisher reputable?

• Evaluating Sources Video

• Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments

• Media Bias Chart

• The SIFT Approach