Writing@CSU

Writing Guides

Evaluating Sources

Introduction

Consider the Purpose and Audience of a Source

Learn about the Author(s) of a Source

Who is the author, and what are his or her credentials?

Is the author a recognized authority?

With what institutions or organizations is the author affiliated?

In what ways does the author’s biases affect the source?

What if a source doesn’t identify its author?

Learn about the Publisher of a Source

Strategies for Evaluating the General Outlook of a Web Site

Strategies for Evaluating the General Outlook of Periodical

Consider the Accuracy and Balance of Evidence in a Source

Consider the Publication Date of a Source

Consider the Role a Source Can Play in Your Paper

Consider the Role of Primary and Secondary Sources

Consider the Level of Specialization of a Source

Consider the Medium in Which a Source is Published

Questions to ask about Print Sources

Questions to ask about Electronic Sources

Questions to ask about Field Sources

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Contributors to this Guide

Resources Used

  • The Bedford Guide to Writing
  • New St. Martin's Handbook
  • Everything's an Argument
  • A Writer's Reference
  • The Bedford Handbook

Design, Editing, Coding, and Additional Material

  • Mike Palmquist

Additional Coding

  • John Robinson
© 1998 Bedford/St. Martin's. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

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