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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Writing@CSU Home Page | Writing Guides | Evaluating Sources

Overview: Evaluating Sources

Learning how to evaluate sources can save you a great deal of time and increase the effectiveness of your papers. In this guide, we explore the key strategies experienced researchers use to evaluate their sources. To read about these strategies, click on the items below:

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