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Business Research: Evaluating Sources

General research assistance for business related topics

Why Evaluate Sources and Information? One word: CREDIBILITY!

FINDING CREDIBLE RESOURCES SHOULD BE EVERY STUDENTS GOAL WHEN CONDUCTING RESEARCH.

Good research habits include identifying sources, assessing their expertise and verifying information found. The sources that you select are a direct reflection of the quality of your project.

Evaluate every source and the information it contains no matter where it comes from before you use it to be sure it is credible and relevant to your topic. 

It helps to have set of criteria in mind to use for evaluating sources you find. 

Try using the "CRAAP" method for finding CREDIBLE information.

Think Critically About Your Sources

USE THE "CRAAP" Method To Evaluate Your Resources.

Ask these questions when evaluating any resource you are considering using in your research for credibility:

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?

Authority: The source of the information.

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

                examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?