Identifying relevant and credible sources is crucial when conducting academic research, writing a research paper, or engaging in scholarly research. Not all sources of information available online or in print can be trusted, so developing information literacy and the ability to critically evaluate whether a source is credible is essential for college students and researchers alike.
Let’s explore the different types of sources, how to recognize a credible source, and provide practical tips and examples to help you spot trustworthy information and distinguish between information and misinformation.
Types of Sources
When conducting research, it’s important to understand the different categories of sources available to you. Sources can generally be divided into three main types: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
| Type | Definition | Examples |
| Primary | First-hand evidence that provides direct access to your research topic. | Empirical or statistical results, newspapers and magazines, letters or diary entries, photographs, audio clips (e.g., speeches, interviews) |
| Secondary | Second-hand information that analyzes, describes, or evaluates primary sources. | Books and articles, journal articles, blog posts, textbooks, documentaries |
| Tertiary | Sources that identify, index, or curate primary and secondary sources. | Encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, bibliographies, indexes |
Primary sources are often considered the most credible in providing direct evidence for your research. However, it’s important to still evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the information they contain.
Over the course of your research process, you will likely utilize a combination of these three source types to build a comprehensive understanding of your topic.
How to Identify a Credible Source
When evaluating the credibility of a potential source, there are several key indicators to look for, regardless of the type of source:
Author Expertise
Examine the author’s credentials, professional background, and other published works. Relevant expertise and experience in the subject area significantly boost the source’s authority.
Publisher Credibility
Credible books, scholarly articles, and other publications typically originate from reputable sources such as university libraries, academic sources, government entities (like the Library of Congress or U.S. government agencies), or respected commercial publishers with robust editorial oversight.
Objectivity
A credible source is one that strives to present a balanced, minimally biased perspective, fairly representing different viewpoints. Overly inflammatory or one-sided rhetoric is a red flag.
Citation Quality
The source should support its claims and conclusions with evidence from other credible, traceable sources rather than making unsupported assertions. Make sure to check if the information is backed up with evidence.
Currency
For rapidly evolving topics, more recent sources that were last updated recently are generally preferable. However, older sources, such as historical research, can still maintain credibility in certain contexts.
Peer Review
For academic sources, check if the publication has undergone a peer review process. Peer-reviewed articles are generally considered more rigorous and reliable in academic writing.
The CRAAP Test
For a quick evaluation of potential sources, especially websites and online news sources, many experts recommend using the “CRAAP” test as part of the process of evaluating sources. This framework, which can serve as a checklist, covers five key criteria:
- Currency: How recent is the information provided? For most topics, newer sources are generally preferable.
- Relevance: Does the source directly relate to your research question or cover the appropriate subject area?
- Authority: What are the author’s credentials, and what are the publisher’s standards and reputation?
- Accuracy: Does the source make claims without providing supporting evidence or citations?
- Purpose: Is the information presented objectively, or does it seem intended to persuade or promote a particular bias?
Note: The standards to assess each CRAAP criterion will vary depending on your research topic’s subject matter and focus.
Where to Find Credible Sources
Once you understand how to evaluate sources, the next step is knowing where to look. Some reliable places to start your research include:
- Academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, EBSCOhost, ProQuest)
- Government and organizational websites (e.g., .gov, .edu, .org)
- Peer-reviewed scholarly journals
- Books published by reputable academic presses
- Reputable news sources with a track record of accuracy
- Google Scholar, which can help you find scholarly articles and academic sources
- Digital library and digital collections often provide access to a wealth of credible sources
When using a search engine, pay close attention to the domain name, author credentials, and overall site design and reputation. Be wary of sources behind a paywall, as while they’re not necessarily unreliable, they may limit your access to information.