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Social Sciences Research: Evaluate Sources

This guide will help undergraduate students in social sciences disciplines learn more about topics associated with social sciences research.

Evaluate Sources

Ensure search results meet assignment requirements and relate to your thesis or research question

There are three steps. First: collect sources. Second: Ask questions. Is it relevant? Does it meet assignment guidelines? Third: Discard sources. If NO to either question, discard.

After collecting your sources, perform an initial evaluation of your sources. Each source must adhere to the requirements of your assignment and be relevant to your topic. Review your assignment instructions. Can you say YES to the following questions about your sources? If not, then do NOT use the source(s).

ASK YOURSELF


Ask additional questions to ensure that remaining sources are useful and appropriate for the assignment.

There are two steps. First: With remaining sources, ask questions (see questions at the bottom of the page.) Second: Keep sources. Make your decision. Include in assignment.

Now that you’ve completed your initial evaluation, continue to ask questions about your remaining sources. Depending on your research needs, you may find sources that may not reach the highest standards for scholarship but could be useful to your research project.

Example: Imagine that you are researching hate crimes and run across a social networking site for extremists. Even though the views on this site are clearly slanted in support of a cause, the site provides a first person view of how extremists think. Therefore, this source would be useful and appropriate for your assignment.

Ask yourself the following questions about your sources to decide whether to include the source in your assignment. If you have any concerns about whether or not to use a source, contact your professor or a librarian for more direction.

ASK YOURSELF











If you have any concerns about whether or not to use a source, contact your professor or a librarian for more direction.