Writing@CSU

Writing Guides

Evaluating Sources

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

Print-Friendly Page
Authors & Contributors

Writing@CSU Home Page | Writing Guides | Evaluating Sources

Consider the Level of Specialization

Some sources are considered to be general, that is, written for an audience of nonspecialists. Newspapers and popular magazines typically provide general information about a topic or issue. In contrast, other sources are highly specialized, that is, written for an audience of specialists, such as microbiologists, mortgage bankers, or auto mechanics.

General sources can be helpful as you begin your research, but later in the project you may need the authority or currentness of more specialized sources. On the other hand, keep in mind that extremely specialized works on your topic may be too difficult for your audience to understand easily.

Copyright © 1993-2009 Colorado State University and/or this site's authors, developers, and contributors. Some material displayed on this site is used with permission.