The Hierarchy of Sources guide can help you when examining the level of credibility for a source. When choosing sources, note that scholarly articles and books are considered appropriate for academic use, while other types of sources require further evaluation.

A credible source is defined as a reliable provider of accurate facts, which may include individuals, organizations, or publications. Identifying such sources requires critical analysis, starting with the author's qualifications and expertise in the subject matter.

Before you decide to rely on a source, you should evaluate the source and decide whether it is appropriate to use in your paper. You should always determine the qualifications of the author, the purpose of the source (that is, in what context it was created), the scope of the source (what it covers and in what depth), and, where relevant, the ...

Jan 4, 2024 · To begin evaluating sources, it’s crucial to know what you’re looking for — which means understanding the basis of reliable information. Simply put, reliable information is …

If a bibliographic citation seems promising, it’s a good idea to spend a bit more time with the source before you determine its credibility. Below are some questions to ask and things to consider as you read through a source.

Aug 26, 2021 · A credible source is a source free from bias and backed up with evidence. Check out our list here!

It is important to be able to identify which sources are credible. This ability requires an understanding of depth, objectivity, currency, authority, and purpose. Whether or not your source is peer-reviewed, it is still a good idea to evaluate it based on these five factors.

Mar 31, 2025 · Generally, a credible or reliable source is one that experts in your subject domain would agree is valid for your purposes. This can vary, so it is best to use one of the source evaluation methods that best fits your needs. Do remember that credibility is contextual!

Mar 31, 2025 · Below, learn how to determine a source's credibility by considering its relevancy, authority, and accuracy. This page also provides tips for avoiding bias and misinformation and shares information about scholarly and peer-reviewed sources.

Apr 7, 2025 · Different research assignments have different requirements for your research sources. You might be asked to find “scholarly sources,” “peer-reviewed sources,” or “popular sources.” No matter what kind of source you’re asked to find, you will need to make sure it’s a credible source. Let’s investigate the concept of “credible source” more deeply. A credible …