Writing a Research Paper: Evaluate Sources

Evaluating Websites and Other Sources

Consider...

• Who is the author?
• Why was it written -- for what purpose, organization, or audience?
• When was it written?
• Does it include references or a works cited list?

If you cannot determine the credibility of the information you are using, especially from a website, it's best not to use it to factually support your argument. Using biased or inaccurate information in your paper can negatively impact your grade. 

The following video from the University of Western Ontario Libraries is a tutorial on how to evaluate sources: 
 

University of Western Ontario. Evaluating Sources. YouTube 13 Jan. 2012.