Consider a Source's Role in Your Research

Why use one source rather than another? Is the information it contains useful for your purposes as a writer? Does the source contain strong quotations or hard facts that would be effective in your final paper? Is it relevant, in terms of the subject matter and in the way it tackles it? For some papers it may be appropriate to use an article in a popular magazine, and for others you may need to cite the research findings published in the scholarly journal on which the magazine article was based. Remember that you're looking for the best possible sources for your particular paper. Always ask yourself not only "Will this do?" but "Would something else be better?"

Consider, as well, how using this source in your paper will affect the future direction of your research. Does it contain information that challenges your assumptions about the topic? Does it present any strong evidence against your position for which you need to find counterevidence? Does it suggest a new direction that might be more interesting to pursue? Your research project will probably grow and change as you learn more about it. It's wise to check in with yourself now and again to make sure you have a clear direction — whether it's the same old direction or a completely new one.

Finally, consider whether a source is directly relevant to your research question. It's surprisingly easy to get sidetracked by a persuasive book, article, or Web site on a topic that is only slightly connected to the direction of your research.