Evaluate Your Research

Just because something is in print does not mean that it is a quality publication that should be cited in your research paper. The fact that it is in print does not even make it true. However, by considering the following items, you will be able to assess whether or not a source would be appropriate to cite in your paper.

While writing, remember that a quality paper cites quality sources. If the sources you use for your research are substandard, the quality of your paper will be mediocre at best.

Items to Consider

The following items should be considered when evaluating books, articles, other print sources, and web cites.

• Author
  • Credentials
    
  • Reputation
    
  • Bias

• Publisher
  • Reputation
    
  • Bias

• Date of Publication

• Research Methodology

• Bibliography/Footnotes

• Author's Preface/Introduction

• Table of Contents

• Endorsements

• Special Considerations About Fiction

Steven L. Berg, PhD
Schoolcraft College
sberg@schoolcraft.edu

Teaching Home Page: http://www.stevenlberg.info

This page was last updated on 16 July 2009.