IF I APPLY - A Source Evaluation Checklist
We often seek information that confirms our own thoughts and feelings towards a topic, but this is not research. Research and learning come from finding sources that speak to the truth of a topic, no matter how uncomfortable it is.
Only by keeping personal biases in check can you begin to vet information for credibility.
The following steps will help you find sources that are credible and reliable in your research processes.
Personal steps (Part 1)
- Identify emotions attached to the topic.
- Find unbiased reference sources for a proper review of the topic.
- Intellectual courage to seek authoritative voices on a topic that may be outside of the thesis.
Source steps (Part 2)
- Authority established. Does the author have education and experience in that field?
- Purpose/Point of view of source. Does the author have an agenda beyond education or information?
- Publisher? Does the publisher have an agenda?
- List of sources (bibliography). Is the evidence sound?
- Year of publication. Does the year of publication affect the information?
