Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Working with sources
  • What Are Credible Sources & How to Spot Them | Examples

What Are Credible Sources & How to Spot Them | Examples

Published on August 26, 2021 by Tegan George . Revised on May 31, 2023.

A credible source is free from bias and backed up with evidence. It is written by a trustworthy author or organization.

There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to tell what’s credible and what isn’t at first glance.

Evaluating source credibility is an important information literacy skill. It ensures that you collect accurate information to back up the arguments you make and the conclusions you draw.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Be assured that you'll submit flawless writing. Upload your document to correct all your mistakes.

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

Table of contents

Types of sources, how to identify a credible source, the craap test, where to find credible sources, evaluating web sources, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions.

There are many different types of sources , which can be divided into three categories: primary sources , secondary sources , and tertiary sources .

Primary sources are often considered the most credible in terms of providing evidence for your argument, as they give you direct evidence of what you are researching. However, it’s up to you to ensure the information they provide is reliable and accurate.

You will likely use a combination of the three types over the course of your research process .

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

There are a few criteria to look at right away when assessing a source. Together, these criteria form what is known as the CRAAP test .

  • The information should be up-to-date and current.
  • The source should be relevant to your research.
  • The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching.
  • The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased.
  • For web sources, the URL and layout should signify that it is trustworthy.

The CRAAP test is a catchy acronym that will help you evaluate the credibility of a source you are thinking about using. California State University developed it in 2004 to help students remember best practices for evaluating content.

  • C urrency: Is the source up-to-date?
  • R elevance: Is the source relevant to your research?
  • A uthority: Where is the source published? Who is the author? Are they considered reputable and trustworthy in their field?
  • A ccuracy: Is the source supported by evidence? Are the claims cited correctly?
  • P urpose: What was the motive behind publishing this source?

The criteria for evaluating each point depend on your research topic .

For example, if you are researching cutting-edge scientific technology, a source from 10 years ago will not be sufficiently current . However, if you are researching the Peloponnesian War, a source from 200 years ago would be reasonable to refer to.

Be careful when ascertaining purpose . It can be very unclear (often by design!) what a source’s motive is. For example, a journal article discussing the efficacy of a particular medication may seem credible, but if the publisher is the manufacturer of the medication, you can’t be sure that it is free from bias. As a rule of thumb, if a source is even passively trying to convince you to purchase something, it may not be credible.

Newspapers can be a great way to glean first-hand information about a historical event or situate your research topic within a broader context. However, the veracity and reliability of online news sources can vary enormously—be sure to pay careful attention to authority here.

When evaluating academic journals or books published by university presses, it’s always a good rule of thumb to ensure they are peer-reviewed and published in a reputable journal.

What is peer review?

The peer review process evaluates submissions to academic journals. A panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether a submission should be accepted for publication based on a set of criteria.

For this reason, academic journals are often considered among the most credible sources you can use in a research project– provided that the journal itself is trustworthy and well-regarded.

What sources you use depend on the kind of research you are conducting.

For preliminary research and getting to know a new topic, you could use a combination of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

  • Encyclopedias
  • Websites with .edu or .org domains
  • News sources with first-hand reporting
  • Research-oriented magazines like ScienceMag or Nature Weekly .

As you dig deeper into your scholarly research, books and academic journals are usually your best bet.

Academic journals are often a great place to find trustworthy and credible content, and are considered one of the most reliable sources you can use in academic writing.

  • Is the journal indexed in academic databases?
  • Has the journal had to retract many articles?
  • Are the journal’s policies on copyright and peer review easily available?
  • Are there solid “About” and “ Scope ” pages detailing what sorts of articles they publish?
  • Has the author of the article published other articles? A quick Google Scholar search will show you.
  • Has the author been cited by other scholars? Google Scholar also has a function called “Cited By” that can show you where the author has been cited. A high number of “Cited By” results can often be a measurement of credibility.

Google Scholar is a search engine for academic sources. This is a great place to kick off your research. You can also consider using an academic database like LexisNexis or government open data to get started.

Open Educational Resources , or OERs, are materials that have been licensed for “free use” in educational settings. Legitimate OERs can be a great resource. Be sure they have a Creative Commons license allowing them to be duplicated and shared, and meet the CRAAP test criteria, especially in the authority section. The OER Commons is a public digital library that is curated by librarians, and a solid place to start.

Scribbr Citation Checker New

The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

  • Missing commas and periods
  • Incorrect usage of “et al.”
  • Ampersands (&) in narrative citations
  • Missing reference entries

reliable sources for a research paper

It can be especially challenging to verify the credibility of online sources. They often do not have single authors or publication dates, and their motivation can be more difficult to ascertain.

Websites are not subject to the peer-review and editing process that academic journals or books go through, and can be published by anyone at any time.

When evaluating the credibility of a website, look first at the URL. The domain extension can help you understand what type of website you’re dealing with.

  • Educational resources end in .edu, and are generally considered the most credible in academic settings.
  • Advocacy or non-profit organizations end in .org.
  • Government-affiliated websites end in .gov.
  • Websites with some sort of commercial aspect end in .com (or .co.uk, or another country-specific domain).

In general, check for vague terms, buzzwords, or writing that is too emotive or subjective . Beware of grandiose claims, and critically analyze anything not cited or backed up by evidence.

  • How does the website look and feel? Does it look professional to you?
  • Is there an “About Us” page, or a way to contact the author or organization if you need clarification on a claim they have made?
  • Are there links to other sources on the page, and are they trustworthy?
  • Can the information you found be verified elsewhere, even via a simple Google search?
  • When was the website last updated? If it hasn’t been updated recently, it may not pass the CRAAP test.
  • Does the website have a lot of advertisements or sponsored content? This could be a sign of bias.
  • Is a source of funding disclosed? This could also give you insight into the author and publisher’s motivations.

Social media posts, blogs, and personal websites can be good resources for a situational analysis or grounding of your preliminary ideas, but exercise caution here. These highly personal and subjective sources are seldom reliable enough to stand on their own in your final research product.

Similarly, Wikipedia is not considered a reliable source due to the fact that it can be edited by anyone at any time. However, it can be a good starting point for general information and finding other sources.

Checklist: Is my source credible?

My source is relevant to my research topic.

My source is recent enough to contain up-to-date information on my topic.

There are no glaring grammatical or orthographic errors.

The author is an expert in their field.

The information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I have checked that it is supported by evidence and/or verifiable elsewhere.

My source cites or links to other sources that appear relevant and trustworthy.

There is a way to contact the author or publisher of my source.

The purpose of my source is to educate or inform, not to sell a product or push a particular opinion.

My source is unbiased, and offers multiple perspectives fairly.

My source avoids vague or grandiose claims, and writing that is too emotive or subjective.

[For academic journals]: My source is peer-reviewed and published in a reputable and established journal.

[For web sources]: The layout of my source is professional and recently updated. Backlinks to other sources are up-to-date and not broken.

[For web sources]: My source’s URL suggests the domain is trustworthy, e.g. a .edu address.

Your sources are likely to be credible!

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • ChatGPT vs human editor
  • ChatGPT citations
  • Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
  • Using ChatGPT for your studies
  • What is ChatGPT?
  • Chicago style
  • Paraphrasing

 Plagiarism

  • Types of plagiarism
  • Self-plagiarism
  • Avoiding plagiarism
  • Academic integrity
  • Consequences of plagiarism
  • Common knowledge

A credible source should pass the CRAAP test  and follow these guidelines:

  • The information should be up to date and current.
  • For a web source, the URL and layout should signify that it is trustworthy.

Peer review is a process of evaluating submissions to an academic journal. Utilizing rigorous criteria, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication. For this reason, academic journals are often considered among the most credible sources you can use in a research project– provided that the journal itself is trustworthy and well-regarded.

The CRAAP test is an acronym to help you evaluate the credibility of a source you are considering using. It is an important component of information literacy .

The CRAAP test has five main components:

  • Currency: Is the source up to date?
  • Relevance: Is the source relevant to your research?
  • Authority: Where is the source published? Who is the author? Are they considered reputable and trustworthy in their field?
  • Accuracy: Is the source supported by evidence? Are the claims cited correctly?
  • Purpose: What was the motive behind publishing this source?

Academic dishonesty can be intentional or unintentional, ranging from something as simple as claiming to have read something you didn’t to copying your neighbor’s answers on an exam.

You can commit academic dishonesty with the best of intentions, such as helping a friend cheat on a paper. Severe academic dishonesty can include buying a pre-written essay or the answers to a multiple-choice test, or falsifying a medical emergency to avoid taking a final exam.

To determine if a source is primary or secondary, ask yourself:

  • Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events you’re studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)?
  • Does the source provide original information (primary), or does it summarize information from other sources (secondary)?
  • Are you directly analyzing the source itself (primary), or only using it for background information (secondary)?

Some types of source are nearly always primary: works of art and literature, raw statistical data, official documents and records, and personal communications (e.g. letters, interviews ). If you use one of these in your research, it is probably a primary source.

Primary sources are often considered the most credible in terms of providing evidence for your argument, as they give you direct evidence of what you are researching. However, it’s up to you to ensure the information they provide is reliable and accurate.

Always make sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, May 31). What Are Credible Sources & How to Spot Them | Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Tegan George

Other students also liked, applying the craap test & evaluating sources, how to cite a wikipedia article | apa, mla & chicago, primary vs. secondary sources | difference & examples.

  • How it works

What are Credible Sources – Tips to Identify Them With Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at October 12th, 2023 , Revised On October 12, 2023

In today’s information age, distinguishing between credible and unreliable sources is paramount. Whether you’re a student working on a research paper, a journalist crafting a news article, or simply a curious individual seeking reliable information, identifying credible sources is a critical skill.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what credible sources are? What makes a source credible, the types of credible sources available, where to find them, and how to evaluate web sources? Additionally, we will discuss concepts such as peer review, academic dishonesty, and differentiating between primary and secondary sources.

What is a Credible Source?

A credible source can be trusted to provide accurate, reliable, and unbiased information. Credible sources are essential for various purposes, including academic research , journalism, decision-making, and gaining knowledge on various topics . Credibility hinges on factors such as the source’s reputation, expertise, transparency, and the rigour of its research methods.

What Makes a Source Credible?

To determine the credibility of a source, consider the following criteria:

Author’s Qualifications 

Check the author’s credentials and expertise in the field. Are they qualified to speak on the subject?

Publication Source 

Examine where the information is published. Reputable sources include peer-reviewed journals, established news outlets, government websites, and academic institutions.

Citations and References 

A credible source will provide citations and references to support its claims, allowing you to verify the information independently.

Objectivity and Bias 

Evaluate whether the source exhibits bias or maintains objectivity. Credible sources strive to present balanced viewpoints.

Accuracy and Timeliness 

Ensure that the information is up-to-date and accurate. Outdated or inaccurate information can lead to misinformed decisions.

Now that we understand the characteristics of credible sources let’s explore the different types of sources that meet these criteria.

Types of Credible Sources

Credible sources come in various forms, each serving a unique research and information-gathering purpose. Here are some common types:

Academic Journals 

These are scholarly publications that undergo rigorous peer review. They are excellent sources for academic research .

Authored books, especially those published by reputable publishers, provide in-depth knowledge on specific subjects.

Government Publications 

Government websites and reports offer official information and statistics, often highly reliable.

News Outlets 

Established and respected news organisations are valuable current events and general knowledge sources.

Educational Institutions 

Websites of universities and educational institutions often host credible research papers, articles, and resources.

Experts and Interviews 

Interviews with subject experts or specialists can be credible sources if the interviewee has expertise in the field.

Now that we know where to find credible sources let’s explore strategies for locating them effectively.

Where to Find Credible Sources

Finding credible sources can be daunting, especially with the vast amount of online information. Here are some strategies to help you locate them:

Library Databases 

University and public libraries provide access to a wealth of academic databases and journals.

Online Libraries 

Websites like Google Scholar , JSTOR , and Project MUSE index a vast array of scholarly articles.

Government Websites 

Government agencies often publish reports, statistics, and official information online.

Explore the websites of universities and colleges for academic resources and research papers .

Reputable News Outlets 

Trustworthy news sources like BBC, The New York Times, and Reuters offer reliable information on current events.

Reference Books 

Encyclopedias and reference books provide foundational knowledge on various topics.

With these strategies in mind, you can navigate the information landscape more effectively. However, evaluating their credibility is crucial even when you find potential sources.

Evaluating Web Sources

The internet is a treasure trove of information but is also rife with misinformation and unreliable sources. When evaluating web sources, consider the following tips:

Check the Domain

Examine the website’s domain. Government, educational, and non-profit organisations typically have more reliable information.

Authorship 

Look for information about the author or organisation responsible for the content. Lack of authorship or transparency is a red flag.

Publication Date 

Ensure that the information is current. Some topics require the latest data and research.

Cross-Check Information 

Verify facts and claims by comparing information from multiple credible sources.

Bias and Objectivity 

Assess whether the source displays bias or maintains objectivity. Be cautious of sensationalism and extreme viewpoints.

Determine if the source provides citations and references to support its claims.

Site Design 

While not foolproof, professional and well-maintained websites often indicate credibility.

Applying these principles allows you to sift through web sources more effectively and identify the reliable ones.

The research done by our experts have:

  • Precision and Clarity
  • Zero Plagiarism
  • Authentic Sources

reliable sources for a research paper

Examples of Credible Vs. Non-Credible Sources

Let’s put the knowledge gained into practice by examining examples of credible and non-credible sources on a specific topic:

Topic: Climate Change

Credible Source

  • An article on climate change was published in the peer-reviewed journal “Environmental Science & Technology.”
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is available on its official website.
  • A book on climate science authored by a climatologist and published by a reputable academic press.

Non-Credible Source

  • A blog post on a personal website claiming that climate change is a hoax.
  • A social media post with no sources or citations that argues against the consensus on climate change.
  • An article on a news aggregation website with no byline or references to credible scientific studies. 

Ensuring Credibility and Integrity in Academia: Peer Review and Academic Honesty

The importance of peer review, definition of peer review.

Peer review is a crucial process in academic publishing. It involves experts in a particular field critically evaluating research articles before they are published in academic journals. 

Here’s how peer review works:

Submission 

An author submits their research article to a peer-reviewed journal.

Expert Evaluation 

The journal’s editor sends the article to experts (peers) in the same field for review.

Feedback and Revision 

Peers assess the article’s quality, methodology, and validity. They may suggest revisions or reject the article if it doesn’t meet scholarly standards.

Publication 

If accepted, the article is published, indicating that it has passed the scrutiny of experts in the field.

Peer review ensures that published research is of high quality and credibility. When conducting academic research, prioritise peer-reviewed sources to bolster the reliability of your work.

Academic Dishonesty: What You Should Know

Academic dishonesty refers to unethical behaviour in academia , which includes plagiarism, cheating, and the fabrication of data. It undermines the credibility of the individuals involved and the institutions they represent. To maintain your credibility and uphold academic integrity, familiarise yourself with your institution’s academic honesty policies and always attribute sources properly in your work.

Differentiating Primary and Secondary Sources

In research, it’s essential to differentiate between primary and secondary sources :

Primary Sources

These are original, first-hand documents or materials created during the event or research. Examples include diaries, letters, photographs, and scientific studies.

Secondary Sources 

Secondary sources provide analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources. Examples include books, reviews, and articles that discuss or summarise research.

Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary sources helps you assess the depth and perspective of the information you encounter during your research.

Subsequently, in today’s information-driven society, finding reputable sources is a vital aptitude. You may confidently navigate the information sea by understanding what makes a source reputable, knowing where to find it, and refining your evaluation abilities.

Recognising the value of peer review, avoiding academic dishonesty, and distinguishing between primary and secondary sources all help you get accurate information and contribute to the body of knowledge. So, use the above tips and approaches to become a more discerning consumer and provider of credible data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are credible sources, and why are they important.

Credible sources are trustworthy and reliable providers of information. They are important because they ensure the accuracy of your research and help you make informed decisions.

How can I determine if a source is credible?

You can assess source credibility by checking the author’s qualifications, the publication outlet, citations and references, objectivity, accuracy, and publication date.

Where can I find credible sources for academic research?

Reliable academic sources are often found in academic journals, books, government publications, university websites, and libraries.

What is peer review, and why is it crucial for credibility?

Peer review is a process where experts evaluate research before publication. It’s critical because it ensures high-quality and verified information.

How do I avoid academic dishonesty when citing sources?

Avoid academic dishonesty by properly citing sources using citation styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago, and always giving credit to the original authors to maintain integrity in your work.

You May Also Like

Academic sources, also known as scholarly sources or academic references, are materials used by researchers, scholars, and students to support their academic work. These sources are specifically created for use in academic contexts and contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field of study.

In any form of written communication, be it academic writing, journalism, or even casual blogging, there comes a time when we need to reference another’s words to support, explain, or emphasise our points.

A secondary source refers to any material that interprets, analyses, or reviews information originally presented elsewhere. Unlike primary sources, which offer direct evidence or first-hand testimony, secondary sources work on those original materials, offering commentary, critiques, and perspectives.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

DMCA.com Protection Status

COMPANY DETAILS

Research-Prospect-Writing-Service

  • How It Works

Detail of a painting depicting the landscape of New Mexico with mountains in the distance

Explore millions of high-quality primary sources and images from around the world, including artworks, maps, photographs, and more.

Explore migration issues through a variety of media types

  • Part of The Streets are Talking: Public Forms of Creative Expression from Around the World
  • Part of The Journal of Economic Perspectives, Vol. 34, No. 1 (Winter 2020)
  • Part of Cato Institute (Aug. 3, 2021)
  • Part of University of California Press
  • Part of Open: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
  • Part of Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies, Vol. 19, No. 1 (Winter 2012)
  • Part of R Street Institute (Nov. 1, 2020)
  • Part of Leuven University Press
  • Part of UN Secretary-General Papers: Ban Ki-moon (2007-2016)
  • Part of Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 12, No. 4 (August 2018)
  • Part of Leveraging Lives: Serbia and Illegal Tunisian Migration to Europe, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (Mar. 1, 2023)
  • Part of UCL Press

Harness the power of visual materials—explore more than 3 million images now on JSTOR.

Enhance your scholarly research with underground newspapers, magazines, and journals.

Explore collections in the arts, sciences, and literature from the world’s leading museums, archives, and scholars.

logo (1)

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

The Ultimate Student Guide To Finding Credible Sources

The-Ultimate-Student-Guide-to-Finding-Credible-Sources

When it comes to writing a research paper, it’s crucial that you use credible sources to make sure that the information you are stating is actually true. Knowing the difference between credible sources and unreliable sources doesn’t always come so easily with endless information flooding the internet. Thankfully, there are some simple tips that you can use to ensure that you are always using credible sources for research.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that uses original research on a specific topic. There are many different types of research papers, ranging from a high school term paper to a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation.

Books and a pair of glasses that belong to a student

Photo by  Wallace Chuck  from  Pexels

How to start a search for sources, 1. start simple.

If you’re wondering how to find sources for a research paper, the easiest and best way to start is simple! Just try browsing through some common search engines to see what you find.

2. Cross Wikipedia off

Wikipedia, although it’s a massive pool of information, should always be avoided when writing a research paper since it allows the public to edit information. Sites such as these often run the risk of lacking accuracy, and is not one of the most credible sources for research.

3. Yes to scholarly databases

Scholarly databases are your best friend when it comes to finding credible sources for research. Online scholarly databases that can be trusted and are known to provide useful information for students include LexisNexis and EBSCO.

4. Newspapers and magazines

Although sometimes biased, newspapers and magazines can also be a great place to find information about current events.

5. The library

While the library seems to be the most obvious place to find information, somehow it’s often forgotten when it comes to research in the modern age. Don’t forget how useful it can truly be!

Types of Credible Sources for Research

1. what are some credible websites.

Many online sources do not necessarily contain information that is correct or has been checked. That’s why it’s of utmost importance to make sure that you’re using the right websites for your research, with government and educational websites generally being the most reliable.

Credible sources for research include: science.gov, The World Factbook, US Census Bureau, UK Statistics, and Encyclopedia Britannica.

2. What are some credible journal articles?

When it comes to journal articles, determining how credible they are comes much easier than other sources. This is generally due to the fact that many of these websites will include valuable information such as how many times the article has been cited, and if its been peer reviewed.

Some great examples of reliable websites for journal articles include Google Scholar, Oxford Academic, Microsoft Academic, Cornell University Library, and SAGE Publishing.

If you are ever not sure how to find credible sources, then there’s the CRAAP test, which takes into account the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose of the article. Take all of these factors into consideration before using a source and determining whether or not it’s credible enough. Even if it takes more time, you’ll be saving yourself tons of time in the long run by not using unreliable sources.

A group of college students working together to find credible sources for their research

Photo by  Canva Studio  from  Pexels

3. what are some credible news sources.

When it comes to news articles, more caution must be taken since it’s hard to know which sources are truly reliable and unbiased. The CRAAP test is also useful in this type of article for research.

A few examples of credible news sources include The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Washington Post.

The Credibility of a Source

As you search for your research information, you will surely come across the question of how to find credible sources for a research paper. Here are some criteria to focus on to ensure that you only use the most credible of sources.

1. What’s the depth of it?

Always look at the depth of an article, not just the written content. See how long the article is, and if it contains the necessary information such as an abstract, a reference list, and documented data.

2. Who is reading it?

When judging the credibility of an article, it’s important to always ask yourself who the target audience of the article is. Sometimes, sources have a specific goal in mind and it can create certain biases.

3. What’s the goal?

Just as you should do with the audience, also ask yourself what the article is trying to achieve. What is their ultimate goal and how are they persuading you of that?

4. Who wrote it?

Always ask yourself who wrote the article and how reputable they are in the specific field. Look at what other published works they have as well.

5. Can it be trusted?

Overall, it’s key to ask yourself how reputable the source is. What kind of website is it published on? Look at the big picture.

6. Is it relevant to now?

Look at the date of the article, or about the specific things they are mentioning in the article. If it’s from a few years ago, it’s probably not too relevant to your current research.

7. Can it be proven?

While an article may sound incredibly convincing, many people have a way with words and persuasion. Stop and ask yourself whether or not what they are claiming can actually be proven.

A master’s student questioning the credibility of the sources she’s found

Photo by  bruce mars  from  Pexels

How to evaluate source credibility.

By using unreliable sources in your research, it can discredit your status, which is why it’s incredibly important to make sure that any information you are using is up-to-date and accurate.

Here’s how to find credible sources.

1. What is a credible source?

Generally, materials that have been published within the past 10 years are considered to be credible sources for research. Another important factor to consider is the author — if they are well known and respected in their specific fields, that’s also generally a sign that the article is credible. Educational and government-run websites (.gov, .edu) tend to also be a safe source to use, as well as academic databases. Google Scholar is also a no-fail source for reliable information.

2. What is a potentially unreliable source?

Anything that is out of date, meaning it’s been published more than 10 years ago should be avoided. Materials published on social media platforms such as Facebook or personal blogs don’t tend to be the most credible. Always make sure that an article contains proper citations and that the website you are using ends in .com or .org.

Free Resources For Learning

There are many free resources for research available known as open educational resources . They are licensed for free use, with the intention of teaching. They can be determined as credible sources for research if they have a Creative Common license, and if the author has proven to be an expert in their field. Always make sure that the content you are using contains no biases.

Sites For Scholarly Research

When performing scholarly research, it’s extra important to make sure that your sources are credible. Government-run research is considered credible, but beware of any political sites. University and educational websites also tend to be reliable, but still take everything you read with a grain of salt. Company websites also tend to be reliable, although their ultimate goal is usually to promote a product. Organizations which are .org websites can be professional and reliable, however, sometimes they also have their own interests.

Which Sites Can Be Relied On

The internet has no shortage of information out there. That’s why you’ll need these handy tips to determine which to use, and how to distinguish through the vast choices without feeling overwhelmed.

List of Credible Research Sources to Consider

1. government entities.

These websites tend to be reliable since they are highly regulated. Examples include the CIA World Factbook and the United States Justice Statistics.

2. Research Think Tanks

Examples of reliable research think tanks include Rand Corporation, Pew Research Center and The Milken Institute.

3. Academic Libraries and Databases

ProQuest, Scopus, and Jstor are great examples of academic libraries and databases that can be trusted.

4. Professional Standards Organizations

The American Bar Association and The American Psychological Association (APA) are highly credible sources when it comes to professional standards.

How to Write a Research Paper: Step-by-Step

Now that you’re an expert on finding credible sources for research, you’re ready to go! But how do you even start to write a research paper? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

For starters, it’s important to get clear instructions from your professor on what they want. The next step is to start brainstorming ideas for a topic of research. Once you’ve decided and feel confident about it, you’re ready to create your outline and plan out the goal of your research paper.

Befriend your librarian and start to search for quality and credible sources through a variety of means. Make sure you understand your topic from top to bottom before you start writing.  As you write, be sure to always keep things factual, and that you finalize your thesis statement throughout your paper — not just at the end. That’s what’s going to guide your writing. Be sure to always keep format in mind, never forget to cite your sources, and to never skip those edits and final checks.

Now you are ready to write a high-quality, fact-driven research paper that’s sure to impress your professors.

Related Articles

Privacy overview.

  • Military & Veterans
  • Transfer & Credits
  • Education Partnerships
  • COVID-19 Info
  • 844-PURDUE-G
  • Student Login
  • Request Info
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Master of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master of Business Administration
  • ExcelTrack Master of Business Administration
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
  • Postbaccalaureate Certificate
  • Certificate
  • Associate of Applied Science (For Military Students)
  • Programs and Courses
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Doctor of Education
  • Postgraduate Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Master of Health Care Administration
  • Master of Health Informatics
  • Doctor of Health Science
  • Associate of Applied of Science (For Military Students)
  • Associate of Science (For Military Students)
  • Master of Public Health
  • Executive Juris Doctor
  • Juris Doctor
  • Dual Master's Degrees
  • ExcelTrack Master of Science
  • Master of Science (DNP Path)
  • Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
  • Associate of Science
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Master of Professional Studies

The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

  • General Education Mobile (GEM) Program
  • AAS in Health Science
  • AS in Health Science
  • BS in Organizational Management
  • BS in Professional Studies
  • AAS in Criminal Justice
  • AAS in Small Group Management
  • AAS Small Group Management
  • Master's Degrees
  • Bachelor's Degrees
  • Associate's Degrees
  • Certificate Programs
  • Noncredit Courses
  • Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
  • Financial Aid Process
  • Financial Aid Awards
  • Financial Aid Resources
  • Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
  • Financial Aid Information Guide
  • Tuition and Savings
  • Aviation Degree Tuition and Fees
  • Professional Studies Tuition and Fees
  • Single Courses and Micro-Credentials
  • Time and Tuition Calculator
  • Net Price Calculator
  • Military Benefits & Tuition Assistance
  • Military Educational Resources
  • Military Tuition Reductions
  • Military Spouses
  • Student Loans
  • Student Grants
  • Outside Scholarships
  • Loan Management
  • Financial Literacy Tools
  • Academic Calendar
  • Admissions Process
  • General Requirements
  • Technology Requirements
  • Transfer Students
  • Alternative Credit Center
  • DREAMers Education Initiative
  • Student Identity
  • Student Experience
  • Online Experience
  • Student Life
  • Alumni Engagement
  • International Students
  • Academic Support
  • All Purdue Online Degrees
  • Career Services
  • COVID-19 FAQs
  • Student Accessibility Services
  • Student Resources
  • Transcript Request
  • About Purdue Global
  • Accreditation
  • Approach to Learning
  • Career Opportunities
  • Diversity Initiatives
  • Purdue Global Commitment
  • Cybersecurity Center
  • Chancellor's Corner
  • Purdue Global Moves
  • Leadership and Board
  • Facts and Statistics
  • Researcher Request Intake Form

Most Commonly Searched:

  • All Degree Programs
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
  • Fire Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Human Services
  • Information Technology
  • Legal Studies
  • Professional Studies
  • Psychology and ABA
  • Public Policy
  • Military and Veterans
  • Tuition & Financial Aid Overview
  • Tuition and Fee Finder
  • Financial Aid FAQs
  • Military Benefits & Aid
  • Admissions Overview
  • Student Experience Overview
  • Academic Support Overview
  • Online Learning

Check Your Sources: A Checklist for Validating Academic Information

A student conducts research for an academic paper.

A virtual flood of information is available with just a few clicks, but it is important to remember that abundance does not mean quality. There are plenty of inaccurate articles and misinformation online, making it crucial to fully understand how to discern the credibility of sources. Although the ability to validate information is always important, it is especially vital for students as they pursue information for academic research and papers.

This article provides a comprehensive checklist that can help you weed out bad information and find reliable and accurate sources for your academic writing and research endeavors.

Why Credibility Matters in Academic Research

It is easy to understand why credibility matters; after all, it is the cornerstone of academic research. The implications of being credible, however, extend beyond grades and academia.

Reliable sources lend weight to arguments, ensuring they stand up to scrutiny. Conversely, unreliable sources can introduce errors into a field of study, leading to flawed conclusions. This type of situation can affect the integrity of the broader knowledge base and adversely affect the researcher's reputation.

A Checklist for Validating Academic Information

As information continues to proliferate, the ability to distinguish credible from questionable becomes increasingly important. This checklist offers a structured approach to ensure your research is grounded in authoritative and relevant sources, bolstering the integrity of your work.

1. Identify Who Provided the Information

The credibility of information often hinges on the expertise and reputation of its provider.

Author credentials: A source's reliability often heavily relies on the expertise of its author. When looking at sources, check the author’s academic background and look for additional publications credited to them.

Institutional affiliation: Reputable institutions typically adhere to rigorous publication standards. If a source comes from a recognized university or research body, it's likely undergone thorough review. This is not foolproof, but it serves as a green flag for the reliability of the source.

Peer review: In academia, peer review is the gold standard. It means other experts in the field have examined and approved the content. You can usually find this information in the editorial guidelines for the journal or website that published the content.

2. Acknowledge Any Potential Bias

Every piece of information carries a perspective, so it is crucial to discern its objectivity before using it as a source.

Objective vs. subjective: While no source is entirely free from bias, it is vital to distinguish between objective research and opinion pieces. The former is based on empirical evidence, while the latter reflects personal viewpoints.

Funding sources: Research funded by organizations with vested interests might be skewed. Always check the acknowledgments or disclosure section.

Affiliations: Authors affiliated with certain groups might have inherent biases. It does not invalidate their work, but you should be aware of it so you can determine if the information is credible or overly biased.

3. Identify Claims Made Without Proper Data

Valid academic claims are rooted in evidence, making it essential to scrutinize the data backing them.

Evidence-based claims: In academic research, claims should be backed by data. If a source makes broad assertions without evidence, approach it with caution.

Transparent methodology: A credible source will detail its methodology, allowing others to replicate the study or understand its basis.

Unsupported statements: Be wary of sweeping claims that do not reference other studies or data. This is a red flag that indicates the information may not be credible.

4. Check the Purpose of the Information

Understanding the intent behind a source helps in assessing its relevance and potential bias.

Informative vs. persuasive: Is the source aiming to inform based on evidence, or is it trying to persuade? Both can be valid, but it is essential to know the difference and decide if the information is usable on a case-by-case basis.

Primary vs. secondary sources: Primary sources offer direct evidence or firsthand testimony. Secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources. While both types of sources can be credible, you should still understand and distinguish between them.

Audience and conflicts: Consider who the intended audience is because this can shape the type of information being shared. A paper written for industry professionals might have a different tone and depth than one written for general readers.

5. Check Publication Dates

The age of a source can influence its relevance and applicability to current research in several key ways.

Relevance and recency: In quickly evolving fields, recent publications are crucial, as they reflect the latest findings and consensus. However, this does not mean older sources are obsolete. They can offer foundational knowledge or a historical perspective. It is just important to be aware of the dates associated with all information you plan on using.

Historical context: When citing older sources, it is essential to understand their context. How has the field evolved since then? Are the findings still relevant and accurate, or has newer research superseded them?

Topic evolution: Using older sources can provide unique insight. Tracking the progression of thought on a subject can provide depth to your research, showing how current perspectives were shaped.

6. Assess the Source's Reputation

A source's standing in the academic community can be a strong indicator of its reliability.

Citations: If a source is frequently cited in other works, it is a positive indication — but not a fool-proof test. The reputation and authority of where the citation occurs can also reflect on its credibility.

Retractions/corrections: Check if the source has any associated retractions or corrections. This might indicate issues with the content but may also indicate dedication to sharing accurate information.

7. Verify Citations and References

Reliable academic work builds upon previous research, making citations a key component of credibility.

Backed claims: Ensure that the source's claims are supported by credible references. These should be easy to find, easy to access, and not outdated.

Authenticity of citations: Check the original studies or data cited to ensure they have been represented accurately. You should never rely on a source’s representation of facts but rather check them against the originating source.

Self-citation: While authors will sometimes cite their previous work, excessive self-citation can be a red flag.

Additional Tips on How to Know if a Source Is Credible

Consult experts: If you are unsure about a source, reach out to experts or professors in the field. Their experience can provide insights into the source's reliability.

Check for comprehensive coverage: Reliable sources often cover topics in depth, addressing multiple facets of an issue rather than presenting a one-sided view.

Examine the writing style: Credible sources typically maintain a professional tone, avoiding sensationalism or overly emotional language. Spelling and grammar errors are a red flag.

Look for transparency: Trustworthy sources are transparent about their research methods, data collection, and any potential conflicts of interest.

In academic writing, the strength of your work is deeply rooted in the credibility of your sources. By carefully evaluating your sources, you can ensure that you're presenting accurate information that stands up to scrutiny. This process starts with systematically validating the information you find for bias, outdated information, unsupported claims, and many other criteria. In the end, however, it is your discernment that keeps unscrupulous information from ending up in your research. 

Purdue Global Offers Robust Resources to Enhance Academic Research

At Purdue Global, students have access to academic tutoring and support centers to assist them in their efforts. If you are ready to kick-start your academic journey or have questions, reach out today for more information about the 175+ online degree and certificate programs from Purdue Global.

About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

  • General Education
  • Legal Studies & Public Policy

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Learn more about online programs at Purdue Global and download our program guide.

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Logo for M Libraries Publishing

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

11.4 Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information

Learning objectives.

  • Distinguish between primary and secondary sources.
  • Identify strategies for locating relevant print and electronic resources efficiently.
  • Identify instances when it is appropriate to use human sources, such as interviews or eyewitness testimony.
  • Identify criteria for evaluating research resources.
  • Understand why many electronic resources are not reliable.

Now that you have planned your research project, you are ready to begin the research. This phase can be both exciting and challenging. As you read this section, you will learn ways to locate sources efficiently, so you have enough time to read the sources, take notes, and think about how to use the information.

Of course, the technological advances of the past few decades—particularly the rise of online media—mean that, as a twenty-first-century student, you have countless sources of information available at your fingertips. But how can you tell whether a source is reliable? This section will discuss strategies for evaluating sources critically so that you can be a media-savvy researcher.

In this section, you will locate and evaluate resources for your paper and begin taking notes. As you read, begin gathering print and electronic resources, identify at least eight to ten sources by the time you finish the chapter, and begin taking notes on your research findings.

Locating Useful Resources

When you chose a paper topic and determined your research questions, you conducted preliminary research to stimulate your thinking. Your research proposal included some general ideas for how to go about your research—for instance, interviewing an expert in the field or analyzing the content of popular magazines. You may even have identified a few potential sources. Now it is time to conduct a more focused, systematic search for informative primary and secondary sources.

Using Primary and Secondary Sources

Writers classify research resources in two categories: primary sources and secondary sources. Primary sources are direct, firsthand sources of information or data. For example, if you were writing a paper about the First Amendment right to freedom of speech, the text of the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights would be a primary source.

Other primary sources include the following:

  • Research articles
  • Literary texts
  • Historical documents such as diaries or letters
  • Autobiographies or other personal accounts

Secondary sources discuss, interpret, analyze, consolidate, or otherwise rework information from primary sources. In researching a paper about the First Amendment, you might read articles about legal cases that involved First Amendment rights, or editorials expressing commentary on the First Amendment. These sources would be considered secondary sources because they are one step removed from the primary source of information.

The following are examples of secondary sources:

  • Magazine articles
  • Biographical books
  • Literary and scientific reviews
  • Television documentaries

Your topic and purpose determine whether you must cite both primary and secondary sources in your paper. Ask yourself which sources are most likely to provide the information that will answer your research questions. If you are writing a research paper about reality television shows, you will need to use some reality shows as a primary source, but secondary sources, such as a reviewer’s critique, are also important. If you are writing about the health effects of nicotine, you will probably want to read the published results of scientific studies, but secondary sources, such as magazine articles discussing the outcome of a recent study, may also be helpful.

Once you have thought about what kinds of sources are most likely to help you answer your research questions, you may begin your search for print and electronic resources. The challenge here is to conduct your search efficiently. Writers use strategies to help them find the sources that are most relevant and reliable while steering clear of sources that will not be useful.

Finding Print Resources

Print resources include a vast array of documents and publications. Regardless of your topic, you will consult some print resources as part of your research. (You will use electronic sources as well, but it is not wise to limit yourself to electronic sources only, because some potentially useful sources may be available only in print form.) Table 11.1 “Library Print Resources” lists different types of print resources available at public and university libraries.

Table 11.1 Library Print Resources

Some of these resources are also widely available in electronic format. In addition to the resources noted in the table, library holdings may include primary texts such as historical documents, letters, and diaries.

Writing at Work

Businesses, government organizations, and nonprofit organizations produce published materials that range from brief advertisements and brochures to lengthy, detailed reports. In many cases, producing these publications requires research. A corporation’s annual report may include research about economic or industry trends. A charitable organization may use information from research in materials sent to potential donors.

Regardless of the industry you work in, you may be asked to assist in developing materials for publication. Often, incorporating research in these documents can make them more effective in informing or persuading readers.

As you gather information, strive for a balance of accessible, easy-to-read sources and more specialized, challenging sources. Relying solely on lightweight books and articles written for a general audience will drastically limit the range of useful, substantial information. On the other hand, restricting oneself to dense, scholarly works could make the process of researching extremely time-consuming and frustrating.

Make a list of five types of print resources you could use to find information about your research topic. Include at least one primary source. Be as specific as possible—if you have a particular resource or type of resource in mind, describe it.

To find print resources efficiently, first identify the major concepts and terms you will use to conduct your search—that is, your keywords . These, along with the research questions you identified in Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?” , Section 11.2 “Steps in Developing a Research Proposal” , will help you find sources using any of the following methods:

  • Using the library’s online catalog or card catalog
  • Using periodicals indexes and databases
  • Consulting a reference librarian

You probably already have some keywords in mind based on your preliminary research and writing. Another way to identify useful keywords is to visit the Library of Congress’s website at http://id.loc.gov/authorities . This site allows you to search for a topic and see the related subject headings used by the Library of Congress, including broader terms, narrower terms, and related terms. Other libraries use these terms to classify materials. Knowing the most-used terms will help you speed up your keyword search.

Jorge used the Library of Congress site to identify general terms he could use to find resources about low-carb dieting. His search helped him identify potentially useful keywords and related topics, such as carbohydrates in human nutrition, glycemic index, and carbohydrates—metabolism. These terms helped Jorge refine his search.

Knowing the right keywords can sometimes make all the difference in conducting a successful search. If you have trouble finding sources on a topic, consult a librarian to see whether you need to modify your search terms.

Visit the Library of Congress’s website at http://id.loc.gov/authorities and conduct searches on a few terms related to your topic.

  • Review your search results and identify six to eight additional terms you might use when you conduct your research.
  • Print out the search results or save the results to your research folder on your computer or portable storage device.

Using Periodicals, Indexes, and Databases

Library catalogs can help you locate book-length sources, as well as some types of nonprint holdings, such as CDs, DVDs, and audio books. To locate shorter sources, such as magazine and journal articles, you will need to use a periodical index or an online periodical database . These tools index the articles that appear in newspapers, magazines, and journals. Like catalogs, they provide publication information about an article and often allow users to access a summary or even the full text of the article.

Print indexes may be available in the periodicals section of your library. Increasingly, libraries use online databases that users can access through the library website. A single library may provide access to multiple periodical databases. These can range from general news databases to specialized databases. Table 11.2 “Commonly Used Indexes and Databases” describes some commonly used indexes and databases.

Table 11.2 Commonly Used Indexes and Databases

Reading Popular and Scholarly Periodicals

When you search for periodicals, be sure to distinguish among different types. Mass-market publications, such as newspapers and popular magazines, differ from scholarly publications in their accessibility, audience, and purpose.

Newspapers and magazines are written for a broader audience than scholarly journals. Their content is usually quite accessible and easy to read. Trade magazines that target readers within a particular industry may presume the reader has background knowledge, but these publications are still reader-friendly for a broader audience. Their purpose is to inform and, often, to entertain or persuade readers as well.

Scholarly or academic journals are written for a much smaller and more expert audience. The creators of these publications assume that most of their readers are already familiar with the main topic of the journal. The target audience is also highly educated. Informing is the primary purpose of a scholarly journal. While a journal article may advance an agenda or advocate a position, the content will still be presented in an objective style and formal tone. Entertaining readers with breezy comments and splashy graphics is not a priority.

Because of these differences, scholarly journals are more challenging to read. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them. On the contrary, they can provide in-depth information unavailable elsewhere. Because knowledgeable professionals carefully review the content before publication, scholarly journals are far more reliable than much of the information available in popular media. Seek out academic journals along with other resources. Just be prepared to spend a little more time processing the information.

Periodicals databases are not just for students writing research papers. They also provide a valuable service to workers in various fields. The owner of a small business might use a database such as Business Source Premiere to find articles on management, finance, or trends within a particular industry. Health care professionals might consult databases such as MedLine to research a particular disease or medication. Regardless of what career path you plan to pursue, periodicals databases can be a useful tool for researching specific topics and identifying periodicals that will help you keep up with the latest news in your industry.

Consulting a Reference Librarian

Sifting through library stacks and database search results to find the information you need can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. If you are not sure how you should begin your search, or if it is yielding too many or too few results, you are not alone. Many students find this process challenging, although it does get easier with experience. One way to learn better search strategies is to consult a reference librarian.

Reference librarians are intimately familiar with the systems libraries use to organize and classify information. They can help you locate a particular book in the library stacks, steer you toward useful reference works, and provide tips on how to use databases and other electronic research tools. Take the time to see what resources you can find on your own, but if you encounter difficulties, ask for help. Many university librarians hold virtual office hours and are available for online chatting.

Visit your library’s website or consult with a reference librarian to determine what periodicals indexes or databases would be useful for your research. Depending on your topic, you may rely on a general news index, a specialized index for a particular subject area, or both. Search the catalog for your topic and related keywords. Print out or bookmark your search results.

  • Identify at least one to two relevant periodicals, indexes, or databases.
  • Conduct a keyword search to find potentially relevant articles on your topic.
  • Save your search results. If the index you are using provides article summaries, read these to determine how useful the articles are likely to be.
  • Identify at least three to five articles to review more closely. If the full article is available online, set aside time to read it. If not, plan to visit our library within the next few days to locate the articles you need.

One way to refine your keyword search is to use Boolean operators. These operators allow you to combine keywords, find variations on a word, and otherwise expand or limit your results. Here are some of the ways you can use Boolean operators:

  • Combine keywords with and or + to limit results to citations that include both keywords—for example, diet + nutrition .
  • Combine keywords with not or – to search for the first word without the second. This can help you eliminate irrelevant results based on words that are similar to your search term. For example, searching for obesity not childhood locates materials on obesity but excludes materials on childhood obesity.
  • Enclose a phrase in quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, such as “ morbid obesity .”
  • Use parentheses to direct the order of operations in a search string. For example, since Type II diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes, you could search (Type II or adult-onset) and diabetes to limit your search results to articles on this form of the disease.
  • Use a wildcard symbol such as # , ? , or $ after a word to search for variations on a term. For instance, you might type diabet# to search for information on diabetes and diabetics. The specific symbol used varies with different databases.

Finding and Using Electronic Resources

With the expansion of technology and media over the past few decades, a wealth of information is available to you in electronic format. Some types of resources, such as a television documentary, may only be available electronically. Other resources—for instance, many newspapers and magazines—may be available in both print and electronic form. The following are some of the electronic sources you might consult:

  • Online databases
  • Popular web search engines
  • Websites maintained by businesses, universities, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies
  • Newspapers, magazines, and journals published on the web
  • Audio books
  • Industry blogs
  • Radio and television programs and other audio and video recordings
  • Online discussion groups

The techniques you use to locate print resources can also help you find electronic resources efficiently. Libraries usually include CD-ROMs, audio books, and audio and video recordings among their holdings. You can locate these materials in the catalog using a keyword search. The same Boolean operators used to refine database searches can help you filter your results in popular search engines.

Using Internet Search Engines Efficiently

When faced with the challenge of writing a research paper, some students rely on popular search engines as their first source of information. Typing a keyword or phrase into a search engine instantly pulls up links to dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of related websites—what could be easier? Unfortunately, despite its apparent convenience, this research strategy has the following drawbacks to consider:

  • Results do not always appear in order of reliability. The first few hits that appear in search results may include sites whose content is not always reliable, such as online encyclopedias that can be edited by any user. Because websites are created by third parties, the search engine cannot tell you which sites have accurate information.
  • Results may be too numerous for you to use. The amount of information available on the web is far greater than the amount of information housed within a particular library or database. Realistically, if your web search pulls up thousands of hits, you will not be able to visit every site—and the most useful sites may be buried deep within your search results.
  • Search engines are not connected to the results of the search. Search engines find websites that people visit often and list the results in order of popularity. The search engine, then, is not connected to any of the results. When you cite a source found through a search engine, you do not need to cite the search engine. Only cite the source.

A general web search can provide a helpful overview of a topic and may pull up genuinely useful resources. To get the most out of a search engine, however, use strategies to make your search more efficient. Use multiple keywords and Boolean operators to limit your results. Click on the Advanced Search link on the homepage to find additional options for streamlining your search. Depending on the specific search engine you use, the following options may be available:

  • Limit results to websites that have been updated within a particular time frame.
  • Limit results by language or country.
  • Limit results to scholarly works available online.
  • Limit results by file type.
  • Limit results to a particular domain type, such as .edu (school and university sites) or .gov (government sites). This is a quick way to filter out commercial sites, which can often lead to more objective results.

Use the Bookmarks or Favorites feature of your web browser to save and organize sites that look promising.

Using Other Information Sources: Interviews

With so many print and electronic media readily available, it is easy to overlook another valuable information resource: other people. Consider whether you could use a person or group as a primary source. For instance, you might interview a professor who has expertise in a particular subject, a worker within a particular industry, or a representative from a political organization. Interviews can be a great way to get firsthand information.

To get the most out of an interview, you will need to plan ahead. Contact your subject early in the research process and explain your purpose for requesting an interview. Prepare detailed questions. Open-ended questions, rather than questions with simple yes-or-no answers, are more likely to lead to an in-depth discussion. Schedule a time to meet, and be sure to obtain your subject’s permission to record the interview. Take careful notes and be ready to ask follow-up questions based on what you learn.

If scheduling an in-person meeting is difficult, consider arranging a telephone interview or asking your subject to respond to your questions via e-mail. Recognize that any of these formats takes time and effort. Be prompt and courteous, avoid going over the allotted interview time, and be flexible if your subject needs to reschedule.

Evaluating Research Resources

As you gather sources, you will need to examine them with a critical eye. Smart researchers continually ask themselves two questions: “Is this source relevant to my purpose?” and “Is this source reliable?” The first question will help you avoid wasting valuable time reading sources that stray too far from your specific topic and research questions. The second question will help you find accurate, trustworthy sources.

Determining Whether a Source Is Relevant

At this point in your research process, you may have identified dozens of potential sources. It is easy for writers to get so caught up in checking out books and printing out articles that they forget to ask themselves how they will use these resources in their research. Now is a good time to get a little ruthless. Reading and taking notes takes time and energy, so you will want to focus on the most relevant sources.

To weed through your stack of books and articles, skim their contents. Read quickly with your research questions and subtopics in mind. Table 11.3 “Tips for Skimming Books and Articles” explains how to skim to get a quick sense of what topics are covered. If a book or article is not especially relevant, put it aside. You can always come back to it later if you need to.

Table 11.3 Tips for Skimming Books and Articles

Determining Whether a Source Is Reliable

All information sources are not created equal. Sources can vary greatly in terms of how carefully they are researched, written, edited, and reviewed for accuracy. Common sense will help you identify obviously questionable sources, such as tabloids that feature tales of alien abductions, or personal websites with glaring typos. Sometimes, however, a source’s reliability—or lack of it—is not so obvious. For more information about source reliability, see Chapter 12 “Writing a Research Paper” .

To evaluate your research sources, you will use critical thinking skills consciously and deliberately. You will consider criteria such as the type of source, its intended purpose and audience, the author’s (or authors’) qualifications, the publication’s reputation, any indications of bias or hidden agendas, how current the source is, and the overall quality of the writing, thinking, and design.

Evaluating Types of Sources

The different types of sources you will consult are written for distinct purposes and with different audiences in mind. This accounts for other differences, such as the following:

  • How thoroughly the writers cover a given topic
  • How carefully the writers research and document facts
  • How editors review the work
  • What biases or agendas affect the content

A journal article written for an academic audience for the purpose of expanding scholarship in a given field will take an approach quite different from a magazine feature written to inform a general audience. Textbooks, hard news articles, and websites approach a subject from different angles as well. To some extent, the type of source provides clues about its overall depth and reliability. Table 11.4 “Source Rankings” ranks different source types.

Table 11.4 Source Rankings

Free online encyclopedias and wikis may seem like a great source of information. They usually appear among the first few results of a web search. They cover thousands of topics, and many articles use an informal, straightforward writing style. Unfortunately, these sites have no control system for researching, writing, and reviewing articles. Instead, they rely on a community of users to police themselves. At best, these sites can be a starting point for finding other, more trustworthy sources. Never use them as final sources.

Evaluating Credibility and Reputability

Even when you are using a type of source that is generally reliable, you will still need to evaluate the author’s credibility and the publication itself on an individual basis. To examine the author’s credibility —that is, how much you can believe of what the author has to say—examine his or her credentials. What career experience or academic study shows that the author has the expertise to write about this topic?

Keep in mind that expertise in one field is no guarantee of expertise in another, unrelated area. For instance, an author may have an advanced degree in physiology, but this credential is not a valid qualification for writing about psychology. Check credentials carefully.

Just as important as the author’s credibility is the publication’s overall reputability. Reputability refers to a source’s standing and reputation as a respectable, reliable source of information. An established and well-known newspaper, such as the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal , is more reputable than a college newspaper put out by comparatively inexperienced students. A website that is maintained by a well-known, respected organization and regularly updated is more reputable than one created by an unknown author or group.

If you are using articles from scholarly journals, you can check databases that keep count of how many times each article has been cited in other articles. This can be a rough indication of the article’s quality or, at the very least, of its influence and reputation among other scholars.

Checking for Biases and Hidden Agendas

Whenever you consult a source, always think carefully about the author’s or authors’ purpose in presenting the information. Few sources present facts completely objectively. In some cases, the source’s content and tone are significantly influenced by biases or hidden agendas.

Bias refers to favoritism or prejudice toward a particular person or group. For instance, an author may be biased against a certain political party and present information in a way that subtly—or not so subtly—makes that organization look bad. Bias can lead an author to present facts selectively, edit quotations to misrepresent someone’s words, and distort information.

Hidden agendas are goals that are not immediately obvious but influence how an author presents the facts. For instance, an article about the role of beef in a healthy diet would be questionable if it were written by a representative of the beef industry—or by the president of an animal-rights organization. In both cases, the author would likely have a hidden agenda.

As Jorge conducted his research, he read several research studies in which scientists found significant benefits to following a low-carbohydrate diet. He also noticed that many studies were sponsored by a foundation associated with the author of a popular series of low-carbohydrate diet books. Jorge read these studies with a critical eye, knowing that a hidden agenda might be shaping the researchers’ conclusions.

Using Current Sources

Be sure to seek out sources that are current, or up to date. Depending on the topic, sources may become outdated relatively soon after publication, or they may remain useful for years. For instance, online social networking sites have evolved rapidly over the past few years. An article published in 2002 about this topic will not provide current information. On the other hand, a research paper on elementary education practices might refer to studies published decades ago by influential child psychologists.

When using websites for research, check to see when the site was last updated. Many sites publish this information on the homepage, and some, such as news sites, are updated daily or weekly. Many nonfunctioning links are a sign that a website is not regularly updated. Do not be afraid to ask your professor for suggestions if you find that many of your most relevant sources are not especially reliable—or that the most reliable sources are not relevant.

Evaluating Overall Quality by Asking Questions

When you evaluate a source, you will consider the criteria previously discussed as well as your overall impressions of its quality. Read carefully, and notice how well the author presents and supports his or her statements. Stay actively engaged—do not simply accept an author’s words as truth. Ask questions to determine each source’s value. Checklist 11.1 lists ten questions to ask yourself as a critical reader.

Checklist 11.1

Source Evaluation

  • Is the type of source appropriate for my purpose? Is it a high-quality source or one that needs to be looked at more critically?
  • Can I establish that the author is credible and the publication is reputable?
  • Does the author support ideas with specific facts and details that are carefully documented? Is the source of the author’s information clear? (When you use secondary sources, look for sources that are not too removed from primary research.)
  • Does the source include any factual errors or instances of faulty logic?
  • Does the author leave out any information that I would expect to see in a discussion of this topic?
  • Do the author’s conclusions logically follow from the evidence that is presented? Can I see how the author got from one point to another?
  • Is the writing clear and organized, and is it free from errors, clichés, and empty buzzwords? Is the tone objective, balanced, and reasonable? (Be on the lookout for extreme, emotionally charged language.)
  • Are there any obvious biases or agendas? Based on what I know about the author, are there likely to be any hidden agendas?
  • Are graphics informative, useful, and easy to understand? Are websites organized, easy to navigate, and free of clutter like flashing ads and unnecessary sound effects?
  • Is the source contradicted by information found in other sources? (If so, it is possible that your sources are presenting similar information but taking different perspectives, which requires you to think carefully about which sources you find more convincing and why. Be suspicious, however, of any source that presents facts that you cannot confirm elsewhere.)

The critical thinking skills you use to evaluate research sources as a student are equally valuable when you conduct research on the job. If you follow certain periodicals or websites, you have probably identified publications that consistently provide reliable information. Reading blogs and online discussion groups is a great way to identify new trends and hot topics in a particular field, but these sources should not be used for substantial research.

Use a search engine to conduct a web search on your topic. Refer to the tips provided earlier to help you streamline your search. Evaluate your search results critically based on the criteria you have learned. Identify and bookmark one or more websites that are reliable, reputable, and likely to be useful in your research.

Managing Source Information

As you determine which sources you will rely on most, it is important to establish a system for keeping track of your sources and taking notes. There are several ways to go about it, and no one system is necessarily superior. What matters is that you keep materials in order; record bibliographical information you will need later; and take detailed, organized notes.

Keeping Track of Your Sources

Think ahead to a moment a few weeks from now, when you’ve written your research paper and are almost ready to submit it for a grade. There is just one task left—writing your list of sources.

As you begin typing your list, you realize you need to include the publication information for a book you cited frequently. Unfortunately, you already returned it to the library several days ago. You do not remember the URLs for some of the websites you used or the dates you accessed them—information that also must be included in your bibliography. With a sinking feeling, you realize that finding this information and preparing your bibliography will require hours of work.

This stressful scenario can be avoided. Taking time to organize source information now will ensure that you are not scrambling to find it at the last minute. Throughout your research, record bibliographical information for each source as soon as you begin using it. You may use pen-and-paper methods, such as a notebook or note cards, or maintain an electronic list. (If you prefer the latter option, many office software packages include separate programs for recording bibliographic information.)

Table 11.5 “Details for Commonly Used Source Types” shows the specific details you should record for commonly used source types. Use these details to develop a working bibliography —a preliminary list of sources that you will later use to develop the references section of your paper. You may wish to record information using the formatting system of the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Modern Language Association (MLA), which will save a step later on. (For more information on APA and MLA formatting, see Chapter 13 “APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting” .)

Table 11.5 Details for Commonly Used Source Types

Your research may involve less common types of sources not listed in Table 11.5 “Details for Commonly Used Source Types” . For additional information on citing different sources, see Chapter 13 “APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting” .

Create a working bibliography using the format that is most convenient for you. List at least five sources you plan to use. Continue to add sources to your working bibliography throughout the research process.

To make your working bibliography even more complete, you may wish to record additional details, such as a book’s call number or contact information for a person you interviewed. That way, if you need to locate a source again, you have all the information you need right at your fingertips. You may also wish to assign each source a code number to use when taking notes (1, 2, 3, or a similar system).

Taking Notes Efficiently

Good researchers stay focused and organized as they gather information from sources. Before you begin taking notes, take a moment to step back and think about your goal as a researcher—to find information that will help you answer your research question. When you write your paper, you will present your conclusions about the topic supported by research. That goal will determine what information you record and how you organize it.

Writers sometimes get caught up in taking extensive notes, so much so that they lose sight of how their notes relate to the questions and ideas they started out with. Remember that you do not need to write down every detail from your reading. Focus on finding and recording details that will help you answer your research questions. The following strategies will help you take notes efficiently.

Use Headings to Organize Ideas

Whether you use old-fashioned index cards or organize your notes using word-processing software, record just one major point from each source at a time, and use a heading to summarize the information covered. Keep all your notes in one file, digital or otherwise. Doing so will help you identify connections among different pieces of information. It will also help you make connections between your notes and the research questions and subtopics you identified earlier.

Know When to Summarize, Paraphrase, or Directly Quote a Source

Your notes will fall under three categories—summary notes, paraphrased information, and direct quotations from your sources. Effective researchers make choices about which type of notes is most appropriate for their purpose.

  • Summary notes sum up the main ideas in a source in a few sentences or a short paragraph. A summary is considerably shorter than the original text and captures only the major ideas. Use summary notes when you do not need to record specific details but you intend to refer to broad concepts the author discusses.
  • Paraphrased notes restate a fact or idea from a source using your own words and sentence structure.
  • Direct quotations use the exact wording used by the original source and enclose the quoted material in quotation marks. It is a good strategy to copy direct quotations when an author expresses an idea in an especially lively or memorable way. However, do not rely exclusively on direct quotations in your note taking.

Most of your notes should be paraphrased from the original source. Paraphrasing as you take notes is usually a better strategy than copying direct quotations, because it forces you to think through the information in your source and understand it well enough to restate it. In short, it helps you stay engaged with the material instead of simply copying and pasting. Synthesizing will help you later when you begin planning and drafting your paper. (For detailed guidelines on summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting, see Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?” , Section 11.6 “Writing from Research: End-of-Chapter Exercises” .)

Maintain Complete, Accurate Notes

Regardless of the format used, any notes you take should include enough information to help you organize ideas and locate them instantly in the original text if you need to review them. Make sure your notes include the following elements:

  • Heading summing up the main topic covered
  • Author’s name, a source code, or an abbreviated source title
  • Page number
  • Full URL of any pages buried deep in a website

Throughout the process of taking notes, be scrupulous about making sure you have correctly attributed each idea to its source. Always include source information so you know exactly which ideas came from which sources. Use quotation marks to set off any words for phrases taken directly from the original text. If you add your own responses and ideas, make sure they are distinct from ideas you quoted or paraphrased.

Finally, make sure your notes accurately reflect the content of the original text. Make sure quoted material is copied verbatim. If you omit words from a quotation, use ellipses to show the omission and make sure the omission does not change the author’s meaning. Paraphrase ideas carefully, and check your paraphrased notes against the original text to make sure that you have restated the author’s ideas accurately in your own words.

Use a System That Works for You

There are several formats you can use to take notes. No technique is necessarily better than the others—it is more important to choose a format you are comfortable using. Choosing the format that works best for you will ensure your notes are organized, complete, and accurate. Consider implementing one of these formats when you begin taking notes:

  • Use index cards. This traditional format involves writing each note on a separate index card. It takes more time than copying and pasting into an electronic document, which encourages you to be selective in choosing which ideas to record. Recording notes on separate cards makes it easy to later organize your notes according to major topics. Some writers color-code their cards to make them still more organized.
  • Use note-taking software. Word-processing and office software packages often include different types of note-taking software. Although you may need to set aside some time to learn the software, this method combines the speed of typing with the same degree of organization associated with handwritten note cards.
  • Maintain a research notebook. Instead of using index cards or electronic note cards, you may wish to keep a notebook or electronic folder, allotting a few pages (or one file) for each of your sources. This method makes it easy to create a separate column or section of the document where you add your responses to the information you encounter in your research.
  • Annotate your sources. This method involves making handwritten notes in the margins of sources that you have printed or photocopied. If using electronic sources, you can make comments within the source document. For example, you might add comment boxes to a PDF version of an article. This method works best for experienced researchers who have already thought a great deal about the topic because it can be difficult to organize your notes later when starting your draft.

Choose one of the methods from the list to use for taking notes. Continue gathering sources and taking notes. In the next section, you will learn strategies for organizing and synthesizing the information you have found.

Key Takeaways

  • A writer’s use of primary and secondary sources is determined by the topic and purpose of the research. Sources used may include print sources, such as books and journals; electronic sources, such as websites and articles retrieved from databases; and human sources of information, such as interviews.
  • Strategies that help writers locate sources efficiently include conducting effective keyword searches, understanding how to use online catalogs and databases, using strategies to narrow web search results, and consulting reference librarians.
  • Writers evaluate sources based on how relevant they are to the research question and how reliable their content is.
  • Skimming sources can help writers determine their relevance efficiently.
  • Writers evaluate a source’s reliability by asking questions about the type of source (including its audience and purpose); the author’s credibility, the publication’s reputability, the source’s currency, and the overall quality of the writing, research, logic, and design in the source.
  • In their notes, effective writers record organized, complete, accurate information. This includes bibliographic information about each source as well as summarized, paraphrased, or quoted information from the source.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

  • louisville.edu
  • PeopleSoft HR
  • PeopleSoft Campus Solutions
  • PeopleSoft Financials
  • Business Ops
  • Cardinal Careers

University of Louisville

  • Undergraduate
  • International
  • Online Learning

University of Louisville Writing Center

  • University Writing Center FAQs
  • Virtual Writing Center FAQs
  • HSC Writing Center FAQs
  • Writing FAQs
  • Handouts and Videos
  • Graduate Student Writing
  • Spring Dissertation Writing Retreat
  • Graduate Student Writing Workshops
  • Faculty and Graduate Student Writing Group
  • Creative Writing Group
  • Accessibility and Accommodations
  • LGBTQ+ Writing Group
  • The University Writing Center and Your Students
  • Request a Presentation about the University Writing Center
  • Resources for Teaching Writing
  • The Writing Center and Your Writing
  • University Writing Center Mission Statement
  • Meet Our Staff
  • Statement on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
  • Research at the University Writing Center
  • How I Write Blog Posts
  • Our Community Writing Values and Approaches
  • Community Writing Internships and Volunteering
  • Family Scholar House
  • Western Branch Library
  • How can I make myself a stronger writer?
  • What makes college writing different than the writing I’ve done up to this point?
  • How are the papers I'm asked to write in my major different from those in English 101, 102, and 105 courses?
  • What can I do if I don’t completely understand the writing assignment?
  • I want to get started writing early, but how do I begin?
  • How do I get started writing a personal statement?
  • I have a lot to say, but how can I organize my thoughts?
  • How can I learn how to write in a new genre (for example, personal statement, resume, or literature review)?
  • How do I expand a rough draft to make it meet the assignment’s length requirement?
  • How can I find good sources for my research paper?
  • What are some strategies for working sources into my research paper?
  • What is the difference between quotation, paraphrase, and summary?
  • How can I revise my draft if it doesn’t seem to “flow”?
  • What does my teacher mean by “substantial revision?”
  • How do I write an essay that makes an “argument”?
  • How can I avoid plagiarizing?
  • What are some strategies for improving my grammar and punctuation?
  • How can I format my document properly in Word, PowerPoint or Excel?
  • How should I approach writing a literature review at the graduate level?
  • / Resources for Students
  • / Writing FAQs
  • / How can I find good sources for my research paper?

Collecting sources for a research paper can sometimes be a daunting task. When beginning your research, it’s often a good idea to begin with common search engines, like Google, and general descriptions like you can find on Wikipedia. Often though these are not the sources you ultimately want in your paper. Some tips for getting from this beginning research to finding “good” sources include the following.

  • Make a list of research terms you can use when searching in the library or even online. Start with your core list, but also add other keywords and phrases that you notice as you research. Also, when you find a good source, look to see if it has “tags.” You can add these phrases to your list search terms. Sometimes the tags are also links that you can follow which will take you to lists of similar sources.
  • Think about the kind of sources required by the assignment and also the kind of sources that are “good” for your question or topic. Many library search engines and databases have the option to return only “peer-reviewed” or “scholarly” sources—which are sources that have been read by other scholars before being published.  Also, the UofL library offers a list of Research Guides which can help you find useful databases for finding sources. When considering what counts as a “good” source, it’s smart to consider what question you’re asking. If you’re making an argument about how a term is commonly understood, then using dictionaries or Wikipedia would be a good source. If you’re making an argument about developing research in Psychology, then you’ll want to focus on those peer-review or scholarly sources.
  • Review the works cited or bibliography section of sources that have already been helpful. The sources they are using will probably be helpful to you also. Some search engines, like Google Scholar, include a link under a source that says “Cited by”—which brings back a list of other sources that have used the source you’re looking at. Google Scholar provides varying quality in their results, depending on the subject area and other things, but it’s a great place to start.
  • The reference librarians in Ekstrom library (right next door to the University Writing Center) are available to help you with your research. You can make appointments to meet with them here. During these appointments, they can help you find the most helpful databases, decide what sources might be most helpful, and more.

What can the Writing Center do to help?

Writing Center consultants can meet with you to help you get started and find a good direction when working on a research project. This includes but certainly isn’t limited to brainstorming lists of research terms, deciding which kinds of sources will best help you answer your research question(s), looking at some preliminary helpful sources, and more. Talking about these topics can help you figure out how to approach searching for and finding good sources. We also know how and when to refer you for a follow-up appointment with the Reference Assistance and Instruction department.

How Time Affects a Writing Center Session Feb 16, 2024

ESL Instruction in the University of Louisville Writing Center Feb 09, 2024

Mapping Emotional Labor in Our Writing Center Feb 02, 2024

Taking a Flexible Approach to Writers’ Use of AI Jan 26, 2024

Improving Writing: The Gateway to Success Through Conference Participation Jan 19, 2024

Imposter Syndrome During the Writing Process Nov 21, 2023

UofL Writing Center Blog - More…

University Writing Center

Ekstrom Library 132

Kornhauser Library 221

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky 40292

Spring 2024

Ekstrom Library

M -Th 9 am - 5 pm

F 9 am - 4 pm

Kornhauser Library

T & Th 9 am - 12 pm

Closed on student breaks and holidays  

(502) 852-2173

[email protected]

Social Media

  • U.S. Locations
  • UMGC Europe
  • Learn Online
  • Find Answers
  • 855-655-8682
  • Current Students

Online Guide to Writing and Research

The research process, explore more of umgc.

  • Online Guide to Writing

Planning and Writing a Research Paper

Cite Sources

Whenever you are using a source that is not your own words, you need to cite that source.  Citation styles can vary (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or others) and are course and discipline-specific.  Get into the habit of citing your sources at all times.  Take a look at Chapter 5, “ Academic Integrity and Documentation ,” which covers citations in more detail.

INTEGRITY   Ethics Loyalty Moral Motivation Business team hands at work with financial reports and a laptop

Understanding why writers use citations in academic research can help you decide when to use them.  Acknowledging intellectual ownership shows respect for those who have contributed to the field of knowledge and for the achievements in that field, as well as how you are contributing to it.  Engaging in that field in meaningful ways is an important part of your learning journey.  Citing reliable sources gives your research and writing credibility, showing your familiarity with the work of a scholarly community and your understanding of how you are contributing to it.  Finally, it is unethical and illegal to use the ideas and words of others without acknowledging and recognizing those who own the intellectual property rights to those ideas and words.

Mailing Address: 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783 This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License . © 2022 UMGC. All links to external sites were verified at the time of publication. UMGC is not responsible for the validity or integrity of information located at external sites.

Table of Contents: Online Guide to Writing

Chapter 1: College Writing

How Does College Writing Differ from Workplace Writing?

What Is College Writing?

Why So Much Emphasis on Writing?

Chapter 2: The Writing Process

Doing Exploratory Research

Getting from Notes to Your Draft

Introduction

Prewriting - Techniques to Get Started - Mining Your Intuition

Prewriting: Targeting Your Audience

Prewriting: Techniques to Get Started

Prewriting: Understanding Your Assignment

Rewriting: Being Your Own Critic

Rewriting: Creating a Revision Strategy

Rewriting: Getting Feedback

Rewriting: The Final Draft

Techniques to Get Started - Outlining

Techniques to Get Started - Using Systematic Techniques

Thesis Statement and Controlling Idea

Writing: Getting from Notes to Your Draft - Freewriting

Writing: Getting from Notes to Your Draft - Summarizing Your Ideas

Writing: Outlining What You Will Write

Chapter 3: Thinking Strategies

A Word About Style, Voice, and Tone

A Word About Style, Voice, and Tone: Style Through Vocabulary and Diction

Critical Strategies and Writing

Critical Strategies and Writing: Analysis

Critical Strategies and Writing: Evaluation

Critical Strategies and Writing: Persuasion

Critical Strategies and Writing: Synthesis

Developing a Paper Using Strategies

Kinds of Assignments You Will Write

Patterns for Presenting Information

Patterns for Presenting Information: Critiques

Patterns for Presenting Information: Discussing Raw Data

Patterns for Presenting Information: General-to-Specific Pattern

Patterns for Presenting Information: Problem-Cause-Solution Pattern

Patterns for Presenting Information: Specific-to-General Pattern

Patterns for Presenting Information: Summaries and Abstracts

Supporting with Research and Examples

Writing Essay Examinations

Writing Essay Examinations: Make Your Answer Relevant and Complete

Writing Essay Examinations: Organize Thinking Before Writing

Writing Essay Examinations: Read and Understand the Question

Chapter 4: The Research Process

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Ask a Research Question

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Cite Sources

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Collect Evidence

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Decide Your Point of View, or Role, for Your Research

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Draw Conclusions

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Find a Topic and Get an Overview

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Manage Your Resources

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Outline

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Survey the Literature

Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Work Your Sources into Your Research Writing

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Human Resources

Research Resources: What Are Research Resources?

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found?

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Electronic Resources

Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Print Resources

Structuring the Research Paper: Formal Research Structure

Structuring the Research Paper: Informal Research Structure

The Nature of Research

The Research Assignment: How Should Research Sources Be Evaluated?

The Research Assignment: When Is Research Needed?

The Research Assignment: Why Perform Research?

Chapter 5: Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

Giving Credit to Sources

Giving Credit to Sources: Copyright Laws

Giving Credit to Sources: Documentation

Giving Credit to Sources: Style Guides

Integrating Sources

Practicing Academic Integrity

Practicing Academic Integrity: Keeping Accurate Records

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Paraphrasing Your Source

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Quoting Your Source

Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Summarizing Your Sources

Types of Documentation

Types of Documentation: Bibliographies and Source Lists

Types of Documentation: Citing World Wide Web Sources

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - APA Style

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - CSE/CBE Style

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - Chicago Style

Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - MLA Style

Types of Documentation: Note Citations

Chapter 6: Using Library Resources

Finding Library Resources

Chapter 7: Assessing Your Writing

How Is Writing Graded?

How Is Writing Graded?: A General Assessment Tool

The Draft Stage

The Draft Stage: The First Draft

The Draft Stage: The Revision Process and the Final Draft

The Draft Stage: Using Feedback

The Research Stage

Using Assessment to Improve Your Writing

Chapter 8: Other Frequently Assigned Papers

Reviews and Reaction Papers: Article and Book Reviews

Reviews and Reaction Papers: Reaction Papers

Writing Arguments

Writing Arguments: Adapting the Argument Structure

Writing Arguments: Purposes of Argument

Writing Arguments: References to Consult for Writing Arguments

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Anticipate Active Opposition

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Determine Your Organization

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Develop Your Argument

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Introduce Your Argument

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - State Your Thesis or Proposition

Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Write Your Conclusion

Writing Arguments: Types of Argument

Appendix A: Books to Help Improve Your Writing

Dictionaries

General Style Manuals

Researching on the Internet

Special Style Manuals

Writing Handbooks

Appendix B: Collaborative Writing and Peer Reviewing

Collaborative Writing: Assignments to Accompany the Group Project

Collaborative Writing: Informal Progress Report

Collaborative Writing: Issues to Resolve

Collaborative Writing: Methodology

Collaborative Writing: Peer Evaluation

Collaborative Writing: Tasks of Collaborative Writing Group Members

Collaborative Writing: Writing Plan

General Introduction

Peer Reviewing

Appendix C: Developing an Improvement Plan

Working with Your Instructor’s Comments and Grades

Appendix D: Writing Plan and Project Schedule

Devising a Writing Project Plan and Schedule

Reviewing Your Plan with Others

By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about how we use cookies by reading our  Privacy Policy .

Banner

Research Paper: A step-by-step guide: 4. Appropriate Sources

  • 1. Getting Started
  • 2. Topic Ideas
  • 3. Thesis Statement & Outline
  • 4. Appropriate Sources
  • 5. Search Techniques
  • 6. Taking Notes & Documenting Sources
  • 7. Evaluating Sources
  • 8. Citations & Plagiarism
  • 9. Writing Your Research Paper

alt=""

What Source Should You Use?

What type of information do you need.

The type of sources you might need for your research will depend on the type of research you are conducting. Familiarizing yourself with various types of sources will help you with both your current paper and future research. Below you will find a quick overview of common types of resources that will help you navigate how best to choose sources for your research.

 Broad categories of information and where you can find them can be broken down into the following areas:

  • Background or introductory information - dictionaries or encyclopedias as found in Gale eBooks
  • General information - history or overview - try books from the library catalog
  • News and current events - newspapers and current periodicals - try NewsBank  or the New York Times
  • Scholarly information - scholarly journal articles in databases
  • Discipline specific information - discipline specific databases

Scholarly Resources

Scholarly resources (sometimes called academic resources) have the following qualities:

  • Written by experts with credentials or affiliations (PhD, M.D.)
  • Written for other experts - each work is a voice in an ongoing conversation
  • Scholarly language - technical, discipline specific vocabulary
  • Verifiable and reliable evidence - look for citations
  • Peer reviewed - editorial process where other experts review and assess information 

Peer review is an important process in scholarly communication. The process of peer review is supposed to ensure that corrections are made to an article before publication, holding the article's content to a higher standard. 

Scholarly journals are the main publication format for scholarly research. Most scholarly journals are available for students online and are accessible through library databases. Find out more about library databases below. 

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Resources

Sometimes you will be asked to find resources categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary resources. For historical research, the library has an excellent guide, Understanding Historical Sources ,  breaking down these types of resources and where you can find them. 

It should be noted that a primary source in the scientific disciplines looks a little different than a primary historical source. Put simply, a primary source in the sciences would be the original research, data, or material that forms the basis for other research. For example, the first time research about a new scientific discovery is published would be the primary source. A paper that analyzes or interprets the original research would be a secondary source. A tertiary source would collect and summarize the information from both the primary and secondary sources. 

Choosing a Resource

The library has many way to help you narrow down what source to use for your research.

  • Contact a librarian by email at [email protected]
  • Get individualized help from a subject librarian 
  • Check out our list of subject research guides
  • Watch a video tutorial on one of our specific databases

Choosing the Best Database for Your Project

You will learn about search techniques in a later step of the research process. But for now you can watch a quick video that will help you determine how to choose the best database for your project . 

  • << Previous: 3. Thesis Statement & Outline
  • Next: 5. Search Techniques >>
  • Last Updated: Apr 18, 2023 12:12 PM
  • URL: https://butte.libguides.com/ResearchPaper

List of Credible Sources for Research. Examples of Credible Websites

Looking for relevant sources of information for your research is already a tiring process, but when you also need to pay attention to their credibility, it becomes almost impossible! However, it’s still a quite critical aspect to pay attention to. Using unreliable sites like Wikipedia, even if it’s a two-page essay in middle school, is not welcomed.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

Don’t know how to find credible sources? No worries! Custom-Writing experts have created this brilliant guide for you. It’s not merely a compilation of best tips on how to choose reliable websites for research. There are also many examples of reliable sources that you can use for basically any type of paper you may need to write!

👨‍🎓️ What Are Credible Sources?

  • Natural Science

✅ Website Reliability Checklist

Credible sources: definition.

In general, credible sources are the ones that can be considered unbiased and have some sort of evidence to rely on . Popular dictionaries can give you a whole list of the criteria that help you identify one. For example, a credible book would be written by respected and recognized authors in the last ten years.

The picture emphasized the difference between credible and non-credible sources in terms of their time of publishing, authors, and institutions.

Credible Sources:

  • information published within last 10 years;
  • texts written by respected authors;
  • websites belonging to educational and governmental institutions;
  • articles from Google Scholar;
  • academic databases.

Non-credible sources:

  • outdated information;
  • texts written by someone without proper credentials;
  • commercial websites;
  • articles without citations;
  • blog posts.

Non-credible Sources

Non-credible sources are the complete opposite of the definition above. They shouldn’t be used, especially when you are working on essential pieces of writing. An unreliable source would most definitely be outdated and coming from the writers with no credentials. Also, beware of unknown blog posts that don’t have any citations!

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

How to Determine Credible Sources?

You need to pay close attention to several things when looking for credible sources. First of all, the information needs to be published at least within the last few years. Check whether the authors are well-known and have received some acknowledgment. The majority of websites belonging to governmental and educational institutions are reliable. If you’re still not sure, you can always check if the source is present in Google Scholar or any other academic database.

In some cases, your teacher or supervisor might provide you with particular requirements regarding the sources. For instance, you would need to pick the most recent studies published within the last five or even three years.

Why Is it Important to Use Credible Sources for Research?

Long story short, no one will believe the arguments you make in your essay are correct if they are based on Wikipedia’s information. So taking your time and picking trustworthy sources guarantees that your statements will convince the readers. An academic research paper is expected to be backed up by reliable evidence.

This way, you, as the author of the paper, gain the audience’s trust and support. When your main arguments derive from credible places, they know that you haven’t made it up. Also, it’s more than just about the authority. Sometimes, unreliable sources may contain errors and mistakes, which is especially bad for science projects. Because then you’ll have to use a rewriting tool or otherwise fix your text. So make sure you can trust the information!

🌐 Examples of Credible Sources: Websites

A list of reliable sources for research papers.

Finding reliable sources for a research paper is not an easy task. Let’s start with the easily accessible ones – websites. You have probably heard and used Google Scholar, but surprise-surprise, there are so many similar services that can help you find credible books and articles! Check out a list of credible online platforms that will help you do that.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

  • Google Scholar . It’s the most popular and easy-to-use search engine that can present scholarly pieces of writing on any topic you require. Google Scholar is free to use, and you can choose to look for any type of publishing format.
  • JSTOR . JSTOR is an online library of all kinds of sources, such as books, articles, and journals. Even though access is limited, it can be a great help for students. It is also considered one of the most reliable databases since the sources are selected very carefully before being placed there.
  • Microsoft Academic . You can use this web search engine for free. Not only it helps you find the necessary literature, but it tracks the most recent academic publications and research in the field of your interest! Moreover, it was relaunched in 2016, featuring a more user-friendly interface.
  • SAGE Publishing . This independent publisher gives you open access to academic journals and much more in case of your subscription! Every year they drop thousands of high-quality content in the form of books and journals, so it’s a pretty reputable source.
  • Taylor and Francis Online . It is quite well-known by many researchers and has a good reputation. They publish peer-reviewed journal articles. This online tool gives you access to all the journals published by this company. Free admission is limited, so you should double-check the terms first.
  • ScienceDirect . ScienceDirect is a massive database of scientific and medical literature, which you can access via subscription. All 18 million pieces published there are known to be credible. Therefore, this tool can be more than efficient and reliable for your research.
  • Academia . Academia is a free resource similar to Google Scholar, where you can look through and even download any paper you want. However, sometimes the authors only upload a part of their work. So you would need to contact them yourself if you’re interested.
  • Scopus . It is one of the biggest databases of peer-reviewed journals and articles. Note that they only offer the option of checking the abstracts and citations for free, but not the papers’ full content. So you need to review the terms to gain full access.

A List of Credible News Sources

Of course, journalism isn’t comparable to academic writing . No matter how hard you try to describe world news, politics, or economics, thousands of people will find your article subjective.

But still, there are some less credible and more credible news sources. We’ve gathered here several news websites with a good reputation.

  • BBC News . BBC News is one of the most trusted sources you can ever find. They post all the fresh pieces of news in text, video, or audio format on their official website. Since it’s a TV channel, you don’t need to pay extra to access the content.
  • The Economist . The Economist is a well-known and respected weekly magazine with a focus on international business, economics, and politics. It is also available online. Even though the subscription fee is not that small, people say it’s totally worth it.
  • The Wall Street Journal . It is another American-based giant of the business journals’ world. It appears to be extremely popular and published both digitally and in broadsheet format. You can always find business news for free, but the readers still recommend investing in The Wall Street Journal .
  • Google News . You can think of Google News as a personal organizer of the most relevant headlines. You just set up your preferences, and this tool generates an endless stream of articles based on your interests. It’s believed to be the largest of its kind.
  • The Guardian . We could never miss The Guardian ! This British newspaper, staying in business for over two hundred years now, is one of the people’s favorites. Their online publications are free for everybody, but they would appreciate your input since they are running on donations.
  • CNN . CNN is another international TV channel which mainly covers business and politics. It’s amongst the most popular channels in the US and is famous for delivering breaking news. It’s a great place to start if you want to keep your finger on the pulse of the North American news.

A List of Credible Sources on Natural Science

And in this last section of useful links, you’ll find reputable sources on natural science . Every link presents a trusted website filled with knowledge you can easily apply to your research paper.

  • NASA . There is no denying that NASA is quite reliable. It’s a governmental source of information about the most recent discoveries and explorations of space. Not only can you find videos, reports, and pictures there, but you can join the live streams of such events as launching and landing!
  • Scientific American . It’s an absolute must-have for everyone interested in science and technology! The works of the most famous scientists were published there. Even Albert Einstein’s article featured in one of the issues! You can either buy a paper version of the magazine or subscribe to their website.
  • Popular Science . This science-oriented source is more for the general audience. Even though it covers various discussions and doesn’t always present the latest discoveries, Popular Science is still a reliable and respectable source of infor mation. As a journal, it has won multiple awards!
  • National Geographic . For the lovers of nature, this source is perfect for exploring the most exciting news and documentaries on any topic you want! It’s originally a TV network, but you can also check out their website and even a smartphone application. It’s also known for being reliable as they provide good sourcing and evidence.

How can you tell if a website is credible? Check it for these factors:

  • Contact information
  • Up-to-date material
  • Regularly revised information
  • Links to support every side fact
  • Informative purpose
  • No broken links on the page
  • No grammar or punctuation mistakes
  • No misspellings
  • Mentioned in scientific sources
  • Bibliography

If you can’t find at least nine of these signs in your article, be careful—there’s a chance you’re dealing with a non-credible source.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

Remember, you can always use our lists of credible websites for faster access to trusted investigations.

✏️ Credible Sources FAQ

What definitely makes a website credible is .edu or .gov in the URL code. You may add “inurl:.edu” or “inurl:.gov” to your Google search. If a website is not updated, the content is not structured, the texts contain grammatical and formatting mistakes – that source is probably not reliable.

Any website that contains .edu or .gov in the URL code would serve as an example of a credible online source. Other relatively reliable sources include famous online dictionaries and encyclopedias. However, beware of unreliable copies of such websites with a similar title or design.

It is usually possible to tell if the source is credible relying on common sense. For example, if there are formatting and grammatical mistakes, the content is not structured, the pages do not load properly, and the website is not updated, it is probably unreliable.

To determine that an online source might not be credible, pay attention to details. Does the site look neat and structured? Are there mistakes in grammar or formatting? Do the pages load properly? Does it have huge ad banners that hinder the website usage?

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

Hi i love reading and writing!

Custom Writing

Thank you for giving your feedback!

Thank you for your feedback!

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Thank you so much, this was really helpful

Glad to hear that! Thank you for your feedback!

I’m so excited to read this one. It’s wonderful!!

Thanks for the awesome feedback!

Thank you for this useful information. It does, however, need updating. Microsoft Academic has not been available since December 2021.

Hello Karen! Thank you for your feedback. We will use it for future improvement!

Your article is informative!! I think it’s factual information.

Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated.

CNN as reliable lmao

BBC, CNN are of course credible

Thanks for the feedback, Dawn!

Recommended for You

How to Write a Research Proposal: Examples, Resources, & Tips

How to Write a Research Proposal: Examples, Resources, & Tips

A research proposal is a text that suggests a topic or research problem, justifies the need to study it, and describes the ways and methods of conducting the study. Scholars usually write proposals to get funding for their research. In their turn, students might have to do that to get...

What Is a Master’s Thesis & How to Write It: Best Tips

What Is a Master’s Thesis & How to Write It: Best Tips

It’s longer than your Bachelor’s thesis. It’s more stressful. It’s more important. And you have no clue how to write it. We understand that a lot comes with the responsibility of creating a Master’s thesis from scratch. But no need to stress out; you can get all the help you...

Effective Academic Writing: Resources & Rules

Effective Academic Writing: Resources & Rules

Students struggle with academic writing rules. Mastering them takes longer than writing the paper. But when the conventions become a normal state of things, the process becomes faster and easier than before. The less you think about the form, the more time you have to think about the contents.

Research Proposal: Definition, Purpose, & Writing Steps

Research Proposal: Definition, Purpose, & Writing Steps

Few students fully get the meaning and the importance of a research proposal. If you have a good research proposal, it means that you are going to carry out adequate research. A low-quality research proposal may be the reason your research will never start.

How to Write a Lab Report: Format, Tips, & Example

How to Write a Lab Report: Format, Tips, & Example

A lab report is quite a serious piece of paper that has a massive value in your research. And don’t be deceived by the name as the lab report is not a form you just need to fill in. There is an impressive list of components you need to describe...

Literature Review Outline: Examples, Approaches, & Templates

Literature Review Outline: Examples, Approaches, & Templates

A literature review is an update on the status of current research related to the issue in question. Its purpose is to provide the reader with a guide to a particular research topic. And for the writer, a well-written literature review is the best way to show their competence in...

Research Paper Guide

How To Find Sources For A Research Paper

Nova A.

Finding Sources For a Research Paper: A Complete Guide

14 min read

Published on: Jan 16, 2024

Last updated on: Jan 18, 2024

how to find sources for a research paper

People also read

Research Paper Writing - A Step by Step Guide

Research Paper Examples - Free Sample Papers for Different Formats!

Guide to Creating Effective Research Paper Outline

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2024

Research Proposal Writing - A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start a Research Paper - 7 Easy Steps

How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper - A Step by Step Guide

Writing a Literature Review For a Research Paper - A Comprehensive Guide

Qualitative Research - Methods, Types, and Examples

8 Types of Qualitative Research - Overview & Examples

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research - Learning the Basics

Psychology Research Topics - 220+ Ideas

How to Write a Hypothesis In 7 simple Steps: Examples and Tips!

20+ Types of Research With Examples - A Detailed Guide

Understanding Quantitative Research - Types & Data Collection Techniques

230+ Sociology Research Topics & Ideas for Students

How to Cite a Research Paper - A Complete Guide

Excellent History Research Paper Topics- 300+ Ideas

A Guide on Writing the Method Section of a Research Paper - Examples & Tips

How To Write an Introduction Paragraph For a Research Paper: Learn with Examples

Crafting a Winning Research Paper Title: A Complete Guide

Writing a Research Paper Conclusion - Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a Thesis For a Research Paper - A Comprehensive Guide

How To Write A Discussion For A Research Paper | Examples & Tips

How To Write The Results Section of A Research Paper | Steps & Examples

Writing a Problem Statement for a Research Paper - A Comprehensive Guide

Share this article

Research paper writing can be tough and overwhelming. It's not just about your ideas but also about finding the right information. With so much stuff online, it's easy to feel lost and not know which sources are trustworthy.

Many researchers face the challenge of figuring out what's good and what's not when it comes to finding sources for their papers.

Don't worry! 

In this blog, we’ll show you simple and effective ways to find good sources for your research paper. You'll learn where to look and how to tell if a source is worth using. 

By the end, you'll be able to gather great information for your research paper and make it stronger and more convincing.

Let’s get started!

On This Page On This Page -->

Different Types of Sources

When you start a research paper , it's important to know the different kinds of sources. These sources give your paper a strong base. Each one brings different viewpoints and info, making your paper better and more trustworthy. 

Here are the main types of sources:

Primary Sources

Primary sources are firsthand accounts or original materials that provide direct evidence of an event, subject, or phenomenon. This includes:

  • Historical Documents
  • Original Research Studies.

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or comment on primary sources. These are works that are one step removed from the original event or information. This includes

  • review articles
  • Documentaries

Tertiary Sources

Tertiary sources are like the summary of the summary. They compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources. These sources include:

  • Encyclopedias
  • Dictionaries
  • Directories

How to Find Sources for a Research Paper?

When tasked with a research paper, the process of finding reliable sources is a critical step in building a strong foundation for your work. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively find sources that will enhance the quality and credibility of your research:

Use Online Databases

Exploring academic databases is a crucial step in finding reliable sources for your research paper. 

These databases, often accessible through online libraries, offer a vast repository of scholarly articles, journals, and research papers. 

Here are examples of research databases for specific subjects:

Medical Sciences

  • ScienceDirect
  • PsychArticles
  • Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Computer Science

  • IEEE Xplore
  • ACM Digital Library
  • SpringerLink

Literature and Humanities

  • Project MUSE
  • MLA International Bibliography

Social Sciences

  • Social Sciences Citation Index
  • Sociology Database
  • ProQuest Social Sciences

Here's a detailed guide on how to make the most of online libraries and various academic databases:

Utilize Library Resources

Visiting your local library database is a valuable step in the research process, offering access to a variety of resources and the expertise of librarians. 

Here's how you can make the most of library resources for your research:

Library Catalog

Begin by searching the library catalog to find books, journals, and other materials related to your research topic. Use relevant keywords or titles to narrow down your search.

Once you've identified relevant books and book chapters, head to the book stacks. Libraries organize books according to a systematic classification system, making it easier to find materials on the same subject.

Reference Section

Check the reference section for encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference materials. These resources provide concise overviews and can be a great starting point for understanding your topic.

Periodicals Section

Visit the periodicals section to access current and past issues of journal articles and magazines. This is especially useful for finding recent research articles.

Interlibrary Loan Services

If your library doesn't have a specific book or article, take advantage of interlibrary loan services. Librarians can request materials from other libraries, broadening your access to resources.

Digital Libraries and Resources

Many libraries offer digital libraries and online databases. Check if your library provides access to platforms such as ProQuest , EBSCOhost , or other specialized resources.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Google Smartly

Google is a powerful tool for finding information, but conducting strategic searches is key to efficiently and effectively uncovering relevant sources. Here's how you can smartly use Google Scholar for your research:

  • Use of Keywords: Google operates on keywords, so choose your search terms wisely. Identify key concepts from your research topic to form the basis of your search.
  • Boolean Operators : Utilize Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT to refine your search. For example, using "climate change AND impacts" narrows down results to pages containing both terms.
  • Exact Phrase Search: When looking for an exact phrase, enclose it in quotation marks. This ensures that Google searches for the specific words in the exact order you provide.
  • Use "site:" Operator : To search within a specific website or domain, use the "site:" operator. For example, "site:nytimes.com climate change" will retrieve results only from The New York Times website.
  • Specify File Types : If you're looking for specific document types, use the "filetype:" operator. For instance, "filetype:pdf renewable energy" will retrieve only PDF documents related to renewable energy.
  • Access Scholarly Articles : Google Scholar is a specialized search engine for scholarly articles. Use it to find academic papers, conference papers, and patents.

Check Institutional Repositories

Exploring institutional repositories is a valuable strategy to discover research conducted within universities and institutions. 

These repositories often contain a wealth of scholarly work, including papers, theses, and dissertations. Here's how you can check institutional repositories for relevant materials:

Repository Search Tools

Some universities provide search tools specifically designed for their repositories. Use these tools to perform targeted searches based on your research topic or keywords.

Open Access Platforms

Some institutional repositories are accessible to the public. Platforms like DSpace and EPrints host a multitude of repositories worldwide. Check these platforms for relevant research beyond your own institution.

Theses and Dissertations

Institutional repositories often house a collection of theses and dissertations. Browse this section to find in-depth research on various topics.

Advanced Search Options

If available, use advanced search features in institutional repositories. These may include filters for publication types, publication years, or specific departments.

Full-Text Availability

Some repositories provide full-text access to papers and theses. Ensure to check the availability of full-text versions for comprehensive access to research content.

Explore Government and Organization Websites

Government web sites and reputable organizations serve as reliable repositories of valuable research reports, statistics, and authoritative information. 

When conducting research, tapping into these official sources can add depth and credibility to your paper.

Government Websites

Visit official government websites relevant to your research topic. Examples include:

  • USA.gov (United States)
  • Gov.uk (United Kingdom)
  • Europa.eu (European Union)

Organization Websites

Look for reputable organizations associated with your research area. Examples include:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • United Nations (UN)
  • Pew Research Center

Search for Research Reports

Government agencies and organizations often have dedicated sections for research reports or publications. Explore these sections to find in-depth reports on various topics.

  • Accessing Government Data: Many government websites have dedicated sections for data and statistics. Explore these sections to access official figures, charts, and datasets.
  • Government Data Portals : Some governments provide centralized data portals. Examples include Data.gov in the United States and data.gov.uk in the United Kingdom.
  • Public Health Agencies: For health-related research, explore the websites of public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • International Organizations : Access International Organizations: For global perspectives, consider websites of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) or the World Bank.

What Makes a Source Credible?

Now that you know where to find information for your research, it's important to learn how to check if the sources are trustworthy.

Credible sources ensure that your paper is based on reliable and trustworthy information. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating the credibility of a source:

1. Who Wrote The Information?

Authors with expertise or experience in the subject matter are more likely to provide reliable information. Look for their qualifications and affiliations.

2. Where Was The Information Published?

Consider where the information is published. Academic journals, reputable websites, and well-known publishers are generally more trustworthy.

3. Did The Source Undergo A Peer-Review Process?

If the source is from an academic journal, it likely went through a peer-review process. This means experts in the field reviewed the content for accuracy and quality, adding to its credibility.

4. When Was The Information Published Or Last Updated?

For some fields, recent information is crucial, while for others, historical context may be important. Ensure your source is timely and relevant to your research.

5. Does The Source Provide References Or Citations?

Credible sources often cite their information from other reliable sources. Check for a bibliography or references list. This shows that the author has done their homework and supports their claims with evidence.

6. Is The Information Presented Objectively, Or Does It Seem Biased?

Evaluate the objectivity of the source. Look for a balanced presentation of information to avoid bias.

7. Who Is The Intended Audience Of The Source?

Some sources are written for a general audience, while others are meant for experts in a particular field. Choose sources that match the level of depth and expertise required for your research.

8. What Is The Reputation Of The Publisher Or Website?

Well-established publishers and reputable websites are more likely to produce credible content. Check the reputation of the publisher or website to ensure the information meets academic standards.

Employing CRAAP Test

When evaluating the credibility of a source, applying the CRAAP Test can serve as a systematic and comprehensive method. 

The CRAAP Test assesses a source based on five key criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. 

Here's how to employ the CRAAP Test to ensure the credibility of your sources:

  • Currency : Assess how recent the information is. Depending on your research topic, you may need the most up-to-date information.
  • Relevance : Evaluate whether the information is directly related to your research topic. Consider the scope and focus of the source to ensure its relevance to your paper.
  • Authority : Examine the credentials and expertise of the author or organization providing the information. 
  • Accuracy : Verify the accuracy of the information by cross-referencing with other reliable sources. 
  • Purpose : Examine the purpose of the source. Consider whether it aims to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell a product.

List of Sources to Avoid

In the digital age, with an abundance of information available, it's essential to discern between credible and unreliable sources. 

Avoiding certain types of sources is crucial for maintaining the integrity and academic rigor of your research. Here's a list of sources to be cautious about or avoid altogether:

While Wikipedia can provide a general overview, it's not considered a reliable academic source. Avoid citing it directly in research papers. Instead, use it as a starting point to gather background information and identify primary sources.

  • Personal Blogs and Websites

Blogs or personal websites may lack peer review or editorial oversight, making the information subjective or unreliable. Use these sources cautiously and verify information from more reputable outlets.

  • Social Media

Information shared on social media platforms may lack verification. Avoid relying solely on tweets, posts, or memes as sources. Instead, look for information from original and verified sources.

  • Self-Published Books

Books without traditional publishers might lack rigorous peer review and editorial processes. Exercise caution and verify the credentials of self-published authors.

  • Commercially-Driven Websites

Be wary of websites that exist primarily for commercial purposes. Information on these sites might be biased or skewed to promote products or services.

  • Extreme Biased Websites

Websites with extreme bias may present information in a skewed manner. Aim for balanced viewpoints from sources that consider multiple perspectives.

  • Outdated Sources

Information, especially in rapidly evolving fields, becomes outdated quickly. Avoid relying on sources that are not current or don't provide the latest information.

  • Predatory Journals

Some journals, known as predatory, exploit the open-access model without maintaining academic standards. Check the credibility of journals before citing them.

  • Non-Academic Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias geared toward a general audience may lack the depth and academic rigor needed for research papers. Prefer academic encyclopedias or peer-reviewed reference materials.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Tips for Effective Source Selection in Your Research Paper

When delving into the vast sea of information for your research paper, strategic source selection is crucial. Consider these tips to ensure you find the most relevant and reliable sources:

  • Diversify Your Search Strategy

Don't limit yourself to a single database or search engine. Explore a variety of platforms, both academic and mainstream, to gather a comprehensive range of sources.

  • Tap into Subject-Specific Databases

Seek out databases specific to your subject area. Subject-focused databases often provide in-depth and specialized content tailored to your research needs.

  • Verify Author Credibility

Assess the qualifications and expertise of the authors. Look for authors with academic affiliations, relevant degrees, or substantial experience in the field.

  • Check for Peer Review

Prioritize articles and papers that have undergone a peer-review process. Peer-reviewed sources undergo scrutiny by experts in the field, ensuring high-quality and reliable content.

  • Evaluate Source Currency

While historical context is valuable, prioritize recent information for evolving topics. Check for the publication date or the last update of the source to ensure relevance.

  • Consider the Source’s Purpose

Consider the purpose of the source. Identify any potential biases or intentions, and ensure that the source aligns with your research objectives.

  • Use Citation Trails

When you find a relevant source, explore its bibliographic information or list of references. This can lead you to additional valuable sources that contribute to your research.

To sum it up, when you're working on your research paper, it's important to explore different places to find good information. Always check if the sources are trustworthy and have been reviewed by experts. 

Remember, it's not just about finishing your paper; it's about enjoying the journey of discovering new things!

Ready to take your research paper to the next level? Get expert help at MyPerfectWords.com.Our skilled team is here to make sure your work meets top-notch academic standards. Don't miss out on the chance to improve your research paper. Hire our essay writing service today!

Nova A. (Marketing, Literature)

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

Keep reading

how to find sources for a research paper

We value your privacy

We use cookies to improve your experience and give you personalized content. Do you agree to our cookie policy?

Website Data Collection

We use data collected by cookies and JavaScript libraries.

Are you sure you want to cancel?

Your preferences have not been saved.

  • Directories
  • What is UW Libraries Search and how do I use it to find resources?
  • Does the library have my textbook?
  • Who can access databases, e-journals, e-books etc. and from where?
  • How do I find full-text scholarly articles in my subject?
  • How do I find e-books?
  • How do I cite a source using a specific style?
  • How do I find an article by citation?
  • How do I renew books and other loans?
  • Do I have access to this journal?
  • How do I request a book/article we don't have?
  • How do I request materials using Interlibrary Loan?
  • What does the “Request Article” button mean?
  • How do I connect Google Scholar with UW Libraries?
  • How do I pay fines?
  • How do I access resources from off-campus?
  • How do I know if my sources are credible/reliable?
  • How do I know if my articles are scholarly (peer-reviewed)?
  • What is Summit?
  • Start Your Research
  • Research Guides
  • University of Washington Libraries
  • Library Guides
  • UW Libraries

FAQ: How do I know if my sources are credible/reliable?

UW Libraries has a whole guide, Savvy Info Consumers: Evaluating Information , which discusses different types of sources and how to approach evaluating their credibility/reliability.

What it means for a source to be credible/reliable can vary depending on the context of its use. 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!

It is important to critically evaluate sources because using credible/reliable sources makes you a more informed writer. Think about unreliable sources as pollutants to your credibility, if you include unreliable sources in your work, your work could lose credibility as a result.

There are certain frameworks that information professionals have put together to help people think critically about the information provided. 

Some of the methods that UW Libraries suggest are: 

5 W Questions (5Ws) : This method means thinking critically about each of your sources by answering five questions to determine if the source is credible/reliable. The acceptable answers to these questions will vary depending on your needs. The questions are:

  • Who is the author? (Authority)
  • What is the purpose of the content? (Accuracy)
  • Where is the content from? (Publisher)
  • Why does the source exist? (Purpose and Objectivity)
  • How does this source compare to others? (Determining What’s What)

SMART Check : This method is particularly good at evaluating newspaper sources. Like the 5Ws method it also involves answering critical questions about your source. The criteria are:

  • Source: Who or what is the source?
  • Motive: Why do they say what they do?
  • Authority: Who wrote the story?
  • Review: Is there anything included that jumps out as potentially untrue?
  • Two-Source Test: How does it compare to another source?

CRAAP Test : This method provides you with a set of criteria that make a source more or less credible. The criteria are:

  • Currency: Timeliness of the information
  • Relevance: Importance of the information for your needs
  • Authority: Source of the information
  • Accuracy: Truthfulness and correctness of the information
  • Purpose: Reason the information exists

Additional Help

If you would like personalized support from UW Libraries on source evaluation you can

  • Make an appointment with a librarian at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center
  • Ask Us! Chat with a librarian live or email your question
  • << Previous: How do I access resources from off-campus?
  • Next: How do I know if my articles are scholarly (peer-reviewed)? >>
  • Last Updated: Jan 8, 2024 1:15 PM
  • URL: https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/faq

Research Paper Writing Guides

How To Find Sources For A Research Paper

Last updated on: Jan 15, 2024

How to Find Credible Sources for a Research Paper

By: Donna C.

17 min read

Reviewed By:

Published on: Jan 11, 2024

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

Crafting a convincing and award-winning research paper requires finding credible and reliable sources is imperative. Every single source you use should be up-to-date and relevant to the context of your research study. 

For starters, gathering sources is not an easy doing. The chances of quoting wrong or inaccurate references are very high, as a beginner might cite sources without verifying their credibility. 

If you’re on the same page, or you have the question in mind, “How to find reliable sources for a research paper?”, we’ve got your back. 

Finding reliable sources is essential if you want to write a research paper accurately. 

In this blog, we’ll tell you how you can narrow down sources to enhance the credibility of your research paper. From academic databases to news sources, this blog has everything covered in detail.

Continue reading.

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

On this Page

What are The Types of Sources? 

When it comes to gathering information for your research paper, it's essential to understand the different types of sources you might encounter. These sources can be categorized into three main types: primary, secondary, and tertiary. 

Let's break down each of these means to give you a solid foundation for your research journey.

Primary Sources 

Primary sources are like the firsthand storytellers of history. These are the original documents or artifacts created at the time you're studying. Think of them as the voices from the past speaking directly to you. 

Examples include letters, diaries, photographs, official records, speeches, and original research studies.

Why are they important?

Primary sources give you a direct connection to the events or people you're investigating. They offer a raw and unfiltered look at a particular time or topic. These sources allow you to form your interpretations based on the evidence from the event being studied.

Secondary Sources 

If primary sources are the firsthand storytellers, then secondary sources are the interpreters. These are documents or works created later by someone who wasn't directly involved in the events. 

Examples include books, articles, documentaries, and reviews that analyze or interpret primary sources.

Secondary sources provide analysis, context, and interpretation of primary sources. They help you understand different perspectives and viewpoints, offering a broader understanding of your research topic.

Tertiary Sources 

Tertiary sources compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources. They're excellent for getting an overview or background information on a subject.

Common examples of tertiary sources include Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and textbooks.

Why are they influential?

Tertiary sources are a great starting point when you're just diving into a new topic. They provide a basic understanding before you go into more detailed primary and secondary sources.

Each type plays a unique role in helping you build a comprehensive and well-supported argument in your research paper.

What Makes a Source Credible? 

When you're picking sources for your research paper, it's important to make sure they're trustworthy. Credible sources make your arguments stronger and your whole research more reliable. 

Here's what to look for:

How Much Info is There? 

Check how much stuff the source has. Does it have an abstract, a reference list, and data? If there are a lot of adequate details, it's probably a solid source.

For example: You found an article about climate change. It's long and detailed, with an abstract summarizing the main points, a list of references, and actual data and statistics. This shows it has a lot of credible information.

What's the Article Trying to Do? 

Figure out the main goal of the article. What are they trying to make you believe? Knowing this helps you see if there's a hidden agenda or bias.

For example: The article is trying to convince readers that using solar power is a great solution to combat climate change. Understanding this goal helps you see the article might have a positive bias toward solar energy.

Who Wrote It? 

Look into who wrote the article and if they know their stuff. Check out their other works and see if they're respected in the field.

For example: The author is a well-known environmental scientist with published works in reputable journals. This indicates they know their stuff and adds credibility to the article.

Is the Source from a Good Place? 

See where the article is published. If it's on a trustworthy website, it's more likely to be reliable. Consider where the information is coming from.

For example: The article is published on a website known for its reliable information on environmental issues. This suggests the information is more likely to be trustworthy.

Is it Useful Now? 

Check if the article is talking about things that matter to your research now. Look at when it was written. If it's old, it might not be very helpful for what you're working on.

For example: The article was written last year, so it's pretty recent. This is good because it means the information is likely still relevant to your current research.

Can You Check if it's True? 

Even if an article sounds really convincing, stop and think if you can check if what they're saying is true. Some people are good at talking, but you want facts that can be proven.

If an article is peer-reviewed, it's more likely to be high-quality and reliable.

For example: The article mentions specific studies and includes citations to research papers. This allows you to fact-check and verify the information presented.

After taking these steps into consideration, you can be sure that the sources you pick are solid and will make your research paper strong and reliable.

You can also use the CRAAP test to verify the credibility of a source. Although the above-mentioned question already covers some aspects of the test, the CRAAP benchmark talks about:

Check when the information was published or last updated. If it's too old, it might not be useful for your current research.

Check if the source has information that's important for your topic. Make sure it helps with what you're researching.

Check who wrote the information and if they are experts in that area. Experts usually know a lot about what they're talking about.

Check if the information is accurate and based on facts. Look for evidence or if other experts agree with it.

Check why the source was created. Some sources might try to persuade you or sell something, so be careful.

Now, let's see how you can find sources for a research paper. 

How to Find Sources for Your Research Paper? 

Here are simple steps to find credible sources for research papers:

Step 1. Strategize Your Research Plan 

Before starting your research, it's important to develop a solid plan. Clearly define your research goals, objectives, and the scope of your paper. Consider the specific aspects you want to explore and the questions you aim to answer. 

Think about the words related to your topic. These are your search terms. You can identify these search terms within the title, thesis statement, and main headings of your research paper.

Step 2. Find the Relevant Keywords 

After using your gathered search terms, use them to find relevant keywords with the help of search engines. 

Keywords are like special words that help you find information Make a list of words that describe your research topic. If you're studying renewable energy, use keywords like “solar power,” “wind energy,” or “alternative energy sources” when searching. 

You can find the most relevant and related keywords with the help of search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. 

These words guide you to sources that match your interests. Remember that all keywords should be relevant to your research paper title , topic, and research paper thesis . 

Step 3: Conduct Initial Searches and Identify Potential Sources

  • Use the identified search terms and keywords to conduct initial searches on academic databases, library catalogs, and search engines
  • Browse through the search results to identify potential sources related to your research topic
  • At this stage, you are not refining your search, but rather gathering a pool of potential sources

Step 4. Find Sources from Text 

After finding some relevant text or articles related to your research topic, you can extract valuable sources directly from them. Use specific tools or techniques to identify keywords, phrases, or citations within the text that may lead you to additional credible sources. 

Step 5. Explore Citations 

While reading through articles or books, pay attention to citations and references. By exploring the works cited in your current sources, you can discover scholarly materials that contribute to the depth of your research.

After knowing how to find sources, you will need help citing them. Visit our blog to learn how to cite a research paper .

Now, we’ll address every possible source that you can cite in your research paper.

List of Trustworthy Sources for Your Research Paper 

“How to find sources for a research project?”

To answer the above question, below is a diverse list of sources for a research paper that you can rely on. 

Utilize Research Databases 

Start by using specific databases designed for research. Platforms like Google Scholar , PubMed , and ScienceDirect are great places to start. If you're looking for a particular article or book, type in the title or the author's name. 

For a broader search on your research topic, use keywords that make sense. Knowing exactly what you're looking for helps a lot. 

Some databases cover everything, while others focus on specific subjects. Pick subject-specific ones to get results that directly relate to what you're studying. It helps you find what you need faster.

Even in big databases, you can make your search more precise. Choose the subjects or fields that match your research. It makes your results more relevant.

Some databases are well-known for having good information for students. Places like LexisNexis and EBSCO are trusted. They also tell you about the author, like where they're from and how qualified they are.

Here are examples of databases that cover different types of academic fields.

Explore Your Insititute’s Library 

Even though the library might seem like an obvious spot to find information, people often forget about it when doing research nowadays. 

  • Find the Book Search Computer:

Look for the computer that helps you search for books in the library. It's different from regular Internet computers and doesn't need reservations.

  • Use the Card Catalog Computer:

The library's card catalog computer has instructions to help you search. You can look for books by title, author, or subject. If you know specific books or authors, use the title or author categories. 

If you're exploring a broader topic, use the subject heading category for more options. Use the book index to look for the specific book chapters that seem relevant. 

  • Get Help from Subject Headings:

The subject heading category lets you type in words related to what you're interested in. Be careful not to use words that are too narrow or too broad. Librarians are there to help you make your search better or find sources based on call numbers.

  • Look Around After Your Initial Search:

When you find interesting books on the computer, go check them out on the shelves. Books with similar call numbers often cover related topics. Spend a bit more time looking at books nearby; you might find some hidden gems.

  • Check Indexes in Books:

After finding a book, check the index in the front or back to make sure it has the information you need. Sometimes, a book may have a great title but not the right information. On the other hand, a book that seems unrelated might surprise you with useful info.

Remember, the library has more than just books. It's a place for different types of print sources like journal articles, encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines. 

Trustworthy Websites and Online Sources 

When you're searching for research paper sources, websites that are reliable prove to be a great source of information. Here are some places you can trust to get useful info:

Educational Websites (.edu):

Look for websites that end in “.edu.” These are often from schools or universities and can provide trustworthy information.

For Example: 

  • Harvard University ( www.harvard.edu )
  • Stanford University ( www.stanford.edu )
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ( web.mit.edu )

Government Websites (.gov):

Websites ending in “.gov” belong to government agencies. They usually share accurate and official information.

  • The White House ( www.whitehouse.gov )
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ( www.cdc.gov )
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ( www.nasa.gov )

Well-Known Organizations:

Explore websites from reputable organizations in the field you're researching. These sites can offer reliable insights and data.

  • World Health Organization (WHO) ( www.who.int )
  • United Nations (UN) ( www.un.org )
  • Amnesty International ( www.amnesty.org )

Established News Outlets:

Trusted news websites like BBC , Reuters , or major newspapers often provide reliable information.

Professional Associations:

Check websites affiliated with professional groups related to your research topic. They often share valuable and accurate information.

By picking websites from these categories, you're more likely to find information that's solid and dependable for your research.

Credible Journal Articles 

Journal articles are found in places called periodicals, like magazines, which are published regularly. Most libraries keep the newest magazines on the shelves, while older ones are stored together, often in a separate room called “the stacks.”

When doing college-level research, it's important to tell the difference between general interest magazines and professional journals. Professional journals are a solid source of in-depth and trustworthy information.

To check the credibility of journal articles, look for details like how many times an article has been cited or if it's been peer-reviewed. 

Reliable websites for journal articles include:

  • Oxford Academic
  • Cornell University Library
  • SAGE Publishing

Other Platforms for Source Finding 

There are some other sources as well, ranging from encyclopedias to unpublished material. These sources can add further depth to your research, but you have to be careful. 

Some of these sources might not be as credible as the ones we’ve mentioned before. So do your research before utilizing the following sources. 

  • Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias provide a quick overview of a subject. However, they might not always have the most up-to-date or in-depth information. They're a good starting point but should be supplemented with more detailed sources.

  • Government Reports

Government reports are reliable for official information. However, they might be dense and not always reader-friendly. Consider the source's authority and relevance to your topic.

  • Conference Proceedings

Conference proceedings are a good source of research findings. Keep in mind that not all conferences have the same standards, so assess the credibility of the conference.

  • Interviews and Surveys

Interviews and surveys offer firsthand perspectives. While they can provide valuable insights, remember that individual experiences may not represent a broader truth.

  • Documentaries

Documentaries bring visual elements to your research. Yet, they might present a subjective viewpoint, and fact-checking is essential.

  • Grey Literature (Unpublished Material)

Grey literature, like unpublished theses, can offer unique perspectives. However, they might not go through the same rigorous review process as published work. So, examine them carefully.

Which Sources Should You Avoid? 

Now, let's talk about which sources you should stay away from and why when you're doing your research.

Try to stay away from the above sources. At first glance, they might look reliable and trustworthy, but as you dig deeper, the provided facts and figures might not be true at all!

To conclude , finding credible sources is decisive because it guarantees the accuracy and reliability of the information in your research paper. They provide a solid foundation for your arguments, giving weight and authority to your academic work. 

From sources like research databases, and libraries, all the way to online websites, you have a wide range of places where you can find valuable information for your research paper. 

However, if you still think that you’re having a hard time narrowing down the sources that are trustworthy, consider getting professional assistance. 

At SharkPapers.com , we take research papers seriously, and our track record of exceptional results speaks for itself. Our skilled academic writers can help you find the best sources for your research work.

Just visit our paper writing service online , inform us about your requirements, and we’ll handle the rest! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find the source of an article online.

To trace the source of an online article, check for details like the author, publication date, and references. Utilize databases or Google Scholar to find the original source.

How to find sources for an essay?

Identify keywords, use academic databases, and check citations within articles to find relevant and credible sources for your essay.

How to find sources on a website?

Explore the website's "About Us" or "References" sections, looking for links to cited studies or external sources to ensure credibility.

How to find primary sources for a research paper?

Search archives, libraries, or online databases for original documents, firsthand accounts, or artifacts related to your research topic.

How to find secondary sources for a research paper?

Explore academic databases, libraries, and scholarly journals for articles, books, or documentaries that provide analysis or interpretation of your research topic.

What is the difference between a popular source and a scholarly source?

Here’s how popular sources and scholarly sources differentiate:

Donna C.

Donna writes on a broad range of topics, but she is mostly passionate about social issues, current events, and human-interest stories. She has received high praise for her writing from both colleagues and readers alike. Donna is known in her field for creating content that is not only professional but also captivating.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

  • Learning How to Write a Research Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • The Definitive Guide on How to Start a Research Paper

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • How To Write An Introduction For A Research Paper - A Complete Guide

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • Learn How To Write An Abstract For A Research Paper with Examples and Tips

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • How to Write a Literature Review for a Research Paper | A Complete Guide

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • How To Write The Methods Section of A Research Paper

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • How to Write a Research Paper Thesis: A Detailed Guide

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • How to Write a Research Paper Title That Stands Out

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • How To Write The Results Section of A Research Paper | Steps & Tips

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

  • How to Problem Statement for a Research Paper: An Easy Guide

How To Find Sources for a Research Paper

People Also Read

  • research proposal
  • literary analysis essay
  • descriptive essay
  • rhetorical analysis essay
  • reflective essay

Burdened With Assignments?

Bottom Slider

Advertisement

© 2024 - All rights reserved

2000+ SATISFIED STUDENTS

95% Satisfaction RATE

30 Days Money Back GUARANTEE

95% Success RATE

linkdin

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us

© 2021 SharkPapers.com(Powered By sharkpapers.com). All rights reserved.

© 2022 Sharkpapers.com. All rights reserved.

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT

SIGN UP TO YOUR ACCOUNT

  • Your phone no.
  • Confirm Password
  •    I have read Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms and Conditions .

FORGOT PASSWORD

  • SEND PASSWORD

  • About the IEC@OCC Blog
  • From IEC@OCC’s Teachers

Guide to Choosing Reliable Academic Citation Sources

Guide to Choosing Reliable Academic Citation Sources

In college, you will be expected to write research papers that use reliable academic citation sources. But what are reliable academic citation sources, how do you choose them, and why are they so important?

What are reliable academic citation sources?

Reliable academic citation sources are the papers, articles, and books that you used to research your paper.

Here is an example of a citation from LibGuide , which has an excellent article about using citations.

“In any academic writing, you are required to identify for your reader which ideas, facts, theories, concepts, etc., are yours and which are derived from the research and thoughts of others. Whether you summarize, paraphrase, or use direct quotes, if it’s not your original idea, the source must be acknowledged. The only possible exception to this rule is information that is considered to be a commonly known fact [e.g., George Washington was the first president of the United States]. Appreciate, however, that any ‘commonly known fact’ is culturally constructed and shaped by social and aesthetical biases. If you are in doubt about whether a fact is common knowledge or not, protect yourself from an allegation of plagiarism and provide a supporting citation, or ask your professor for clarification.”

reliable sources for a research paper

Why do we need to use reliable academic citation sources?

In academic writing, you MUST cite your sources. There are many reasons why your papers require credible sources. Here are just a few:

  • Citing the work of other people shows that you have done your research (and gives you credibility). This shows that you have put time and effort into developing your argument. You have read the works of others to help you create your opinion, which you argue in the paper.
  • Citing gives credit to the authors and helps you to avoid plagiarizing. Plagiarizing (using another person’s words or ideas without giving them credit) is a serious offense in college. Students can receive an “F” (a failing grade) for their class or even be removed from college if they plagiarize.
  • Citations provide the reader with further reading. After the reader finishes your paper, it is possible that he or she would like to read more about this subject. Citations allow them to locate your sources easily.
  • Citations protect you from misinformation. What happens if you use a source, and later another researcher proves that this is incorrect? (For example, for years it was believed that Pluto was a planet: scientists now do not classifying it as a planet.) Properly citing your sources allows you to show who said what: if it’s later proved to be wrong, the original author is incorrect and you are not.

Guide to Choosing Reliable Academic Citation Sources

Finding reliable academic citation sources

There are many ways to find reliable academic citation sources. Here are some of them.

Academic journals

Academic journals contain research papers written by professionals within a specific field. (For example, the Journal of American Psychologists has articles written by psychologists who practice in the United States.)

Academic journals are excellent citation sources because they are peer reviewed. This means that the articles are read and edited by other professionals in the same field of study. The process to get published is often very long and difficult, which means that the articles you read in these journals have had many rounds of edits by qualified editors.

When you are enrolled in a college, you will get a login that provides you access to many academic journals. (Otherwise, you have to pay.) JSTOR and EBSCO Host are probably the two best databases that contain subscription access to numerous journals: try these first if your school subscribes to these databases. Google Scholar is another great way to access academic journals. Microsoft also has Microsoft Academic Search, which is similar.

What better way to research than to use a traditional book? Just like academic journals, many books from trusted publishers must have extensive edits. Try your school library and your local library if you’re looking for a book in person; online, use Google Books, which is an excellent resource. Google Books will allow you to look inside many books that are about the topic you’re researching.

Teachers/professionals

Teachers, professionals within your field of study, and even librarians are excellent resources when you are researching a topic. Do not be afraid to ask them for assistance! Who knows? Your school might even have a special section that contains books, magazines, or journals on the topic you’re studying. You will not know until you ask a librarian.

Not all websites are created equal: some have more credibility than others. The end of the website address will often help you decide if the site is credible: websites that end in .edu or .gov are often excellent resources. A lot of .org websites are also great.

If you’re looking online, you’re probably going to start with a search engine like Yahoo or Google or Bing. Keep in mind that these search engines do not always provide the best results: you might have to use their “Advanced Search” options to narrow down your results.

Guide to Choosing Reliable Academic Citation Sources

Evaluating If an Academic Citation Source Is Reliable

Once you’ve found your sources, be sure to evaluate them before using them. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Who is the author?
  • Is this person an expert? Why should I trust his or her opinion?
  • Has this person written a lot about this topic? (Try Google Scholar to find out.)
  • Have people referenced this person’s work? (Use Google Scholar to find out: it will tell you what other papers cite this paper.)
  • Who is the publisher?
  • Is this a credible publisher in its industry?
  • Does the content seem to be free of bias? (And is this bias “OK” in regard to your paper?)
  • If this is a website, what is the URL? Do you see a reason it could be biased?
  • Does there seem to be an agenda to the writing?
  • If this is a website, are there ads? Do they point to a bias?
  • Does the source use credible citations?
  • Does it link to other websites? Which ones?
  • Is it a recent source? (The more recent, the better.)
  • Does the website or publisher have a Wikipedia page? This is a great place to learn a little about it and see if there is some potential bias.

As you can see, finding and evaluating reliable sources is a lengthy process! But in the end, it will help you to write a well-researched and well-developed paper that you will be proud of.

Good luck writing your papers!

' src=

IEC-OCC Admin

You might also like.

reliable sources for a research paper

Getting around Orange County: OC Public Transportation Guide

Principales actividades de acción de gracias.

International Student IEC@OCC

What the People Who Read Your College Application Really Think

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

© 2022 - All Rights Reserved.

Developed & Managed by Lastarria Media

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

reliable sources for a research paper

Elite Editing

You write it. We right it.™

credible sources

Where to Find Credible Sources for Your Research Paper

Finding credible sources online.

The dreaded research paper can leave many wondering where to go for information. With the Internet being so accessible, it might be tempting to type words into Google and use whatever comes up first. You may get lucky and get great sources, or you may get stuck with less credible sites that leave your professor wondering where you got such information. Learning how to evaluate sources for research paper writing is a key component to your research paper’s success. Here are five tips to help you as you gather your sources:

  • Start with a simple search.  Search engines, such as  Google  or  Yahoo! , are great places to start when you’re first reading up on the assigned writing topic.
  • Avoid  Wikipedia .  Print and digital encyclopedias, such as  Encyclopedia Britannica  and  InfoPlease.com , are excellent sources from which to gather material. But be careful of sites such as Wikipedia that allow multiple users to edit. Wikipedia is a great jumping-off point in terms of figuring out what to search for, but double-check all of the facts by using credible sources of information.
  • Use online scholarly databases  such as  InfoTrac ,  LexisNexis , and  EBSCO , which provide access to the latest research in hundreds of areas.
  • Newspapers and magazines  are also rich sources of information about what is happening now. Consider browsing through the  New York Times ,  TIME , and the  Wall Street Journal .
  • Don ’ t forget the library.  Often this rich source of information is overlooked because students think it’s more convenient to look subjects up online. The problem with that is you miss out on accidentally stumbling upon a book or magazine that might just be the perfect source for your research paper.
  • NEXT: Finding Credible Sources Online Part 2 

Other Resources You Might Like

grammar 101

Grammar 101: “Every Day” vs. “Everyday”

Proofreading, Editing, copyediting

Proofreading

The Power of Proofreading: Part Three

Proofreading, editing, copy editing

The Power of Proofreading: Part Two

Get elite updates straight to your inbox..

  • Content Writing
  • Marketing and Sales Enablement
  • Program Management
  • AI Implementation

Who We Help

  • Thought Leaders
  • Cybersecurity
  • Health Care
  • Full-Time Careers
  • Freelance Opportunities
  • Press and Awards
  • Success Stories
  • About Elite

In the News

  • Elite Creative Makes the Inc. 5000 for the Third Year in a Row

reliable sources for a research paper

Sponsored Content | 5 Best Sites to Buy Research Papers Online

Share this:.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

  • Things to Do
  • Real Estate
  • Marketplace

Breaking News

Sponsored content | judge orders trump to pay $355 million for lying about his wealth in staggering civil fraud ruling, sponsored content.

reliable sources for a research paper

If you want to purchase research paper from a trusted company, then PaperHelp is your best choice. Their team has been working since 2013, and their experience and devotion have earned the company a stellar reputation. You can be absolutely sure that your order will be delivered on time. All the specialists at PaperHelp have degrees in different fields. Hence, they are capable of writing papers of any complexity in a wide range of disciplines.

According to customer feedback and our own experience, research paper writers at PaperHelp always meet the required deadlines and deliver plagiarism-free content. It’s also important to note that prices for academic writing services start from $13 per page, which is quite affordable compared to other services.

2. BBQPapers : Professional Writers, Top Quality

BBQPapers: Professional Writers, Top Quality

If you need to write a complex research paper but there’s no time for it, you should definitely turn to BBQPapers. This company specializes in advanced research paper writing, handling the most complex tasks. You can choose an expert with a Ph.D. degree in the most suitable field and get a paper of excellent quality delivered to you in a day. In fact, in-depth research skill is a strong point of any BBQPapers’ specialist.

They always conduct in-depth analysis and build college papers on impeccable logic. The good news is that the service offers competitive prices, so you won’t spend too much money on your homework. The rates start at $5.85 per 100 words for high school students and $6.77 per 100 words for individuals studying at college.

3. WritePaperForMe : Cheap Service

WritePaperForMe: Cheap Service

WritePaperForMe is a place where you can buy college research papers at an affordable price. If your budget is very limited, it could be the perfect solution. Although it offers custom papers at low prices, the quality remains relatively high. This is a case where professionalism and affordability go hand in hand.

At WritePaperForMe, you can primarily choose ESL writers who have an advanced command of English. Despite this, their professionalism shouldn’t be questioned. You will definitely receive your college research papers on time and at the lowest price. If you’re looking to purchase research papers from WritePaperForMe, the minimum rate per page starts at $6.99.

4. EssayPro : Best Bidding Platform

EssayPro: Best Bidding Platform

If you are looking for an old, reputable company, you should consider EssayPro. Many years of experience have made this website one of the best in its niche. You can connect with professional writers by learning about their qualifications and placing a bid for your work. Once you match with a specialist, discuss all the necessary details of your order and agree on a deadline.

If needed, you can also ask a writer to share an outline or request a plagiarism report. Being one of the oldest companies in the market, EssayPro always delivers top-notch services to maintain its reputation. Therefore, you can receive an unlimited number of revisions if you are not satisfied with the result. Prices start at $10.80 per page.

5. SpeedyPaper : Exceptional Customer Service

SpeedyPaper: Exceptional Customer Service

Everyone is looking for a great customer experience, and this is exactly what SpeedyPaper can provide. The service caters to both high school and college students. Specialists from SpeedyPaper are very client-oriented, so purchasing research papers from this company is quick and efficient.

This means your needs will be met, no matter how complicated your requirements may be. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money on your order because the prices at SpeedyPaper are quite fair. The minimum rate for high school tasks is $11 per page, while university research papers can be written for as little as $13 per page.

Buying research papers online is a legitimate way to advance in your academic career without burning out. However, it’s crucial to use well-regarded services to ensure plagiarism-free, high-quality writing.

We understand that the process of buying research paper online raises many questions and concerns, so we’ll answer the most commonly asked ones here. This way, you’ll know precisely where to find the best of the best.

Is it safe to buy research paper online?

Students often worry about safety issues when using the services of custom writing companies—and with good reason! Most institutions view such practices as cheating, making it particularly risky if professors discover that your assignment was completed by someone else.

The negative consequences can damage your reputation in the academic world and disrupt your career prospects. However, your fears should not deter you from seeking help. In fact, established and reliable companies are absolutely safe for users. They protect your private data and do not share any information with third parties. Your identity will remain confidential, ensuring that no one, including your instructors, will ever know if your assignment was commissioned.

According to their privacy policies, names, orders, and banking details provided by customers cannot be disclosed to anyone. Violating this policy puts a company’s reputation at risk and leads to a loss of clients. Therefore, if you encounter multiple positive reviews and a large customer base, you can be confident that the chosen service is 100% safe.

How much does it cost to buy a research paper?

Price is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a custom writing company. If you are a student on a budget, you are probably limited in the amount of money to spend on your studies.  Hence, you must be wondering if buying a research paper online is expensive. It’s difficult to give an exact answer to this question because the prices vary dramatically from one service to another. What’s more, they depend on your academic level and some other criteria.

For instance, high school papers can be found at rates starting from $7 per page, while college students will typically pay more, with professional writing services charging at least $10 per page for college-level work. Ph.D. research papers command even higher prices. There are websites that offer cheap research papers, but more often than not, they are written by amateur writers or by AI.

When calculating the cost of your order, companies also consider the discipline you’re studying. The more complex the subject, the higher the price. Deadline urgency is another critical factor; tighter deadlines mean higher costs as you’re required to pay a premium for expedited service.

Who will write my research paper?

In most cases, selecting the individual who will write your research paper is your responsibility. Websites typically provide a list of writers, featuring brief descriptions of their education, skills, and experience. You can review the degrees held by each specialist and the dates they were conferred. Generally, all writers possess advanced degrees, ensuring the high quality of their work.

For instance, if you need a paper completed in Economics, you can choose a reputable research paper writer with higher education in this specific field. This approach is applicable to any discipline you are studying.

Your choice can also extend between ESL (English as a Second Language) writers and native English speakers. However, it’s important not to be influenced by stereotypes. Some people assume that native speakers are invariably superior to ESL writers. But is this assumption accurate? In reality, certifications like the IELTS Academic demonstrate an individual’s proficient command of English and their capability to perform their job effectively. Therefore, verifying qualifications is crucial.

How soon can I have my custom research paper written?

Students often turn to essay writing services when they can’t manage their homework on time. Tight deadlines prompt young people to seek help, making the delivery speed of your research paper critically important.

The good news is that nearly all reputable essay writing services are capable of completing your urgent assignments. If you’re facing imminent deadlines, you can have your term paper completed within a few days. Some services even promise to finish college tasks within 24 hours. However, be prepared to pay extra for swift services. Why? Because writers must prioritize your order, which increases their workload.

In fact, the more time you allow for the completion of your paper, the less it will cost. If you require a custom research paper to be written in just a few hours, the price can escalate to $36 per page or more.

Is it illegal to buy research papers online?

Since most institutions strictly prohibit using the services of assignment writing companies, it raises a lot of concerns among young people. Students are often worried about the legal consequences of their actions. They are afraid of being punished according to the existing laws. However, it doesn’t make any sense because there are no laws prohibiting paper writing services. If a company has a license and operates according to the required business regulations, it’s absolutely safe.

Officially registered agencies that don’t break any general rules are a great solution for busy university students. But the question is “How to make sure that you’ve chosen the right essay writing service?” Well, actually it’s pretty easy. All you need to do is just to check their official website and see if there is any information about licensing.

Where can I buy a research paper online?

Now, obtaining research paper assistance online is no longer a challenge. The availability of writing services that cater to academic assignments is on the rise. By simply searching phrases like ‘buy college research paper,’ ‘write my assignment for me,’ or ‘order research paper’ on Google, you’ll be presented with a lengthy list of companies.

Hundreds of agencies are capable of completing almost any academic task. Among the most renowned are PaperHelp, BBQPapers, WritePaperForMe, EssayPro, and SpeedyPaper. When selecting a service, it’s crucial to gather as much information about it as you can. Evaluate its pricing, review the qualifications of its writers, and scrutinize its terms and conditions meticulously.

Where can I get research papers for free?

You can find research papers in your area of study for free from a variety of online directories and libraries. But keep in mind that they are not for submitting as your own work. Instead, you can use them to bolster your own original research paper. Some sites offering free papers include:

  • Library Genesis

What are the dangers of hiring a research paper writer on Reddit?

Hiring a research paper writer from Reddit or any other place that isn’t a reputable writing company comes with a plethora of dangers, including:

1. Plagiarism risk

Writers on Reddit don’t have protocols in place to ensure complete originality in the final product. Submitting a research paper filled with plagiarism or unoriginal thoughts could seriously impact your grades and, depending on your institution, lead to expulsion.

Checking for plagiarism should be of utmost importance, and hiring a Reddit-based writer doesn’t necessarily give you this peace of mind.

2. Late delivery

As you know, the punctual submission of term papers and research papers is paramount to success. If the writer fails to meet the deadline you set, the paper could be useless, wasting time and money.

While life does through curveballs to everybody, hiring a writer from Reddit provides no assurance that they’ll deliver your paper on time.

3. Poor writing quality

Poor writing quality is very likely if you fail to use a legitimate writing service and instead choose to hire a writer from Reddit.

It’s unlikely that they will show you samples of their previous work, causing your grades to slip if they can’t meet the high standards of academic writing.

4. Failure to meet requirements

Every essay has criteria that must be met. Writers who aren’t experienced with such writing can fail to meet the standards or conduct a thorough research.

We recommend hiring expert writers from reputable websites only, despite the potentially low cost of those advertising their services on Reddit.

How can a research paper writing website guarantee original, plagiarism-free papers?

Naturally, you need original, plagiarism-free work from your writing service. Otherwise, your grades are at stake.

Only reliable services offer guarantees of originality and ensure they write the paper from scratch. So, that’s the first thing you should look for when deciding where to buy a research paper online.

The services ensure original work by running all final papers through at least one plagiarism checker. Depending on the specific site, they may give you this report for free.

Reasons to Buy Custom Research Paper Online

The advantages of buying research papers from reputable companies are numerous. Firstly, it’s all about quality. Well-known agencies value their reputation on the market, so they never deliver papers of a poor quality. Otherwise, you will get your money back. What’s more, recognized assignment writing services complete orders on time.

Therefore, you can be confident about submitting your homework due to the deadline date. Another important feature of highly-rated companies is that they can write your paper very fast. So if you have an urgent task, you can pay extra and get it done in 24-72 hours.

Just in case you’ve noticed any mistakes in your paper, you can ask writers for a revision. Usually, credible companies offer an unlimited number of revisions, so you can request them until your requirements are completely met.

And last but not least, reputable sites where you can order research paper online typically provide clients with a plagiarism report. Hence, you can make sure that your research paper is original. For your instructors, it will be impossible to reveal that your work was written by somebody else.

Buying research papers online is a common practice nowadays. Many students turn to special services that complete their assignments for money. This is a very convenient way to get your homework done when you are overloaded with academic and professional responsibilities. A reliable writing service can save your time and energy, helping you avoid emotional burnout.

Before you choose a company to buy a paper from, you need to do proper research. Try to find as much information about different platforms as possible. Also, compare their prices and terms. Judging by multiple reviews, one of the best services available today is PaperHelp. But the choice is completely up to you, so you should make your own analysis.

Article paid for by: Ocasio Media The news and editorial staffs of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.

google-site-verification: googled55ac16d608893c5.html

More in Sponsored Content

Red Malay Kratom Guide [2024] – Effects, Benefits, Dosage + Where to Buy

Sponsored Content | Red Malay Kratom Guide [2024] – Effects, Benefits, Dosage + Where to Buy

Best Bingo Sites for Real Money: Top 10 Online Bingo Rooms with Bonuses

Sponsored Content | Best Bingo Sites for Real Money: Top 10 Online Bingo Rooms with Bonuses

2024 Land Rover Defender: rugged, pricey

Sponsored Content | 2024 Land Rover Defender: rugged, pricey

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition SUV

Sponsored Content | The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Edition SUV

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • View all journals
  • Explore content
  • About the journal
  • Publish with us
  • Sign up for alerts
  • 07 February 2024

Fake research papers flagged by analysing authorship trends

  • Dalmeet Singh Chawla

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

A group of figurines linked by lines illustrating a network of connected people.

A new method searches the scholarly literature for trends in authorship that indicate paper-mill activity. Credit: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy

A research-technology firm has developed a new approach to help identify journal articles that originate from paper mills — companies that churn out fake or poor-quality studies and sell authorships.

The technique, described in a preprint posted on arXiv last month 1 , uses factors such as the combination of a paper’s authors to flag suspicious studies. Its developers at London-based firm Digital Science say it can help to identify cases in which researchers might have bought their way onto a paper.

reliable sources for a research paper

Science’s fake-paper problem: high-profile effort will tackle paper mills

Previous efforts to detect the products of paper mills have tended to focus on analysing the content of the manuscripts. One online tool, for example, searches papers for tortured phrases — strange alternative turns of phrase for existing terminology produced by software designed to avoid plagiarism detection. Another tool, being piloted by the International Association of Scientific, Technical, and Medical Publishers (STM), flags when identical manuscripts are submitted to several journals or publishers at the same time.

An approach that instead analyses the relationships between authors could be valuable as paper mills become better at producing convincing text , says Hylke Koers, chief information officer at the STM, who is based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. “This is the kind of signal that is much more difficult to work around or outcompete by clever use of generative AI.”

Unusual patterns

Paper mills are a growing problem for publishers — according to one estimate, around 2% of all published papers in 2022 resembled studies produced by paper mills — and in recent years publishers have stepped up efforts to tackle them .

As well as being of poor quality, often containing made-up data and nonsensical text, the articles that paper mills churn out are frequently padded with researchers who buy authorship on manuscripts already accepted for publication . Some paper mills claim to have brokered tens of thousands of authorships — including in journals that are indexed in respected databases, such as Web of Science and Scopus.

This can create unusual patterns of co-authorship and networks of researchers that are different from those in legitimate research, says Simon Porter, vice-president for research futures at Digital Science.

reliable sources for a research paper

Multimillion-dollar trade in paper authorships alarms publishers

Under normal circumstances, “you would expect to find behaviour where a young researcher is publishing with their supervisor, and starts to branch out a little later and publish with other people”, Porter says. “You can see an evolution; it’s not a random network.”

This is not the case with paper-mill works. The technology that Porter developed, together with Leslie McIntosh, vice-president for research integrity at Digital Science, searches for trends that indicate paper-mill activity. These include co-author networks composed of early-career researchers who suddenly have a spike in publications, and papers featuring several authors who have no publication history or a collection of collaborators who are unlikely to have worked together, such as authors from several locations or unrelated disciplines.

When they compared the new technique’s results with those of the Problematic Paper Screener , a tool that searches for tortured phrases and other red flags, Porter and McIntosh identified a significant overlap. Around 10% of authors were directly flagged by both tools, their study found, and 72% of authors in the ‘author networks’ data set can be linked through co-authorship to those in the ‘tortured phrases’ data set.

Technology tricks

Although paper mills have quickly evolved so that fewer papers with tortured phrases are being published, Porter thinks the companies will find it difficult to circumvent flagging by these tools while keeping their current business model.

Digital Science has posted the code underlying the technique online , and Porter says that publishers could begin using it straight away.

Joris Van Rossum, programme director at STM Solutions in Amsterdam, says his organization will consider adding the new technology to the STM Integrity Hub — a collection of resources and tools designed to help publishers to detect fraudulent papers.

reliable sources for a research paper

AI intensifies fight against ‘paper mills’ that churn out fake research

Chris Graf, research-integrity director at Springer Nature in London, says that obstacles remain, particularly in distinguishing between researchers who share a name and weeding out authors who are flagged erroneously. “We have found that there can be some challenges with data consistency in this context that mean this is not straightforward,” Graf says. “Very brilliant young researchers with a low cluster coefficient could show up as false positives, which is clearly far from ideal.” But he adds: “Having said that, we are exploring a lot of different options, and nothing is off the table.” ( Nature ’s news team is independent of Springer Nature, its publisher.)

Anna Abalkina, a sociologist at the Free University of Berlin who has been tracking paper-mill studies for years, says it’s a good idea to scrutinize author networks. “Paper mills definitely do have collaboration anomalies,” she says.

Abalkina warns, however, that our knowledge of paper mills’ business models and processes is limited. It is also difficult to prove that a published study is definitely the product of a paper mill, she notes, which makes it hard to use that as a reason for retraction.

Ultimately, “it’s going to take every trick in the book to be able to provide a convincing filter for paper mills”, Porter says. “It won’t just be one technique.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00344-w

Porter, S. J. & McIntosh, L. D. Preprint at arXiv https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2401.04022 (2024).

Download references

Reprints and permissions

Related Articles

reliable sources for a research paper

  • Scientific community

How journals are fighting back against a wave of questionable images

How journals are fighting back against a wave of questionable images

News 12 FEB 24

‘Obviously ChatGPT’ — how reviewers accused me of scientific fraud

‘Obviously ChatGPT’ — how reviewers accused me of scientific fraud

Career Column 05 FEB 24

What’s needed to rebuild Saudi Arabia’s research reputation

Correspondence 30 JAN 24

Just 5 women have won a top maths prize in the past 90 years

Just 5 women have won a top maths prize in the past 90 years

News 16 FEB 24

Largest post-pandemic survey finds trust in scientists is high

Largest post-pandemic survey finds trust in scientists is high

News 14 FEB 24

Build global collaborations to protect marine migration routes

Correspondence 13 FEB 24

Open-access publishing: citation advantage is unproven

China conducts first nationwide review of retractions and research misconduct

China conducts first nationwide review of retractions and research misconduct

Global Faculty Recruitment of School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University

The School of Life Sciences at Tsinghua University invites applications for tenure-track or tenured faculty positions at all ranks (Assistant/Ass...

Beijing, China

Tsinghua University (The School of Life Sciences)

reliable sources for a research paper

Professor of Biomedical Data Science (Assistant, Associate, and/or Professor Level)

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute CBDS is searching for multiple tenured or tenure-track faculty positions at all ranks in Biomedical Data Science.

Portland, Oregon

Oregon Health and Science University

reliable sources for a research paper

Data Scientist (Qualitative)

Houston, Texas (US)

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)

reliable sources for a research paper

Two Faculty Positions in Life Science, iGCORE, Japan

The Institute for Glyco-core Research, iGCORE, in Tokai National Higher Education and Research System in Japan (THERS; consisting of Nagoya University

Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System

reliable sources for a research paper

Attending Physician (m/f/d)

The Institute of Transfusion Medicine – Transfusion Centre headed by Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Daniela S. Krause is hiring:

Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz (DE)

University of Mainz

reliable sources for a research paper

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies
  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

Sample of DNA being pipetted into a petri dish over genetic results

‘The situation has become appalling’: fake scientific papers push research credibility to crisis point

Last year, 10,000 sham papers had to be retracted by academic journals, but experts think this is just the tip of the iceberg

Tens of thousands of bogus research papers are being published in journals in an international scandal that is worsening every year, scientists have warned. Medical research is being compromised, drug development hindered and promising academic research jeopardised thanks to a global wave of sham science that is sweeping laboratories and universities.

Last year the annual number of papers retracted by research journals topped 10,000 for the first time. Most analysts believe the figure is only the tip of an iceberg of scientific fraud .

“The situation has become appalling,” said Professor Dorothy Bishop of Oxford University. “The level of publishing of fraudulent papers is creating serious problems for science. In many fields it is becoming difficult to build up a cumulative approach to a subject, because we lack a solid foundation of trustworthy findings. And it’s getting worse and worse.”

The startling rise in the publication of sham science papers has its roots in China, where young doctors and scientists seeking promotion were required to have published scientific papers. Shadow organisations – known as “paper mills” – began to supply fabricated work for publication in journals there.

The practice has since spread to India, Iran, Russia, former Soviet Union states and eastern Europe, with paper mills supplying ­fabricated studies to more and more journals as increasing numbers of young ­scientists try to boost their careers by claiming false research experience. In some cases, journal editors have been bribed to accept articles, while paper mills have managed to establish their own agents as guest editors who then allow reams of ­falsified work to be published.

Dr Dorothy Bishop sitting in a garden

“Editors are not fulfilling their roles properly, and peer reviewers are not doing their jobs. And some are being paid large sums of money,” said Professor Alison Avenell of Aberdeen University. “It is deeply worrying.”

The products of paper mills often look like regular articles but are based on templates in which names of genes or diseases are slotted in at random among fictitious tables and figures. Worryingly, these articles can then get incorporated into large databases used by those working on drug discovery.

Others are more bizarre and include research unrelated to a journal’s field, making it clear that no peer review has taken place in relation to that article. An example is a paper on Marxist ideology that appeared in the journal Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine . Others are distinctive because of the strange language they use, including references to “bosom peril” rather than breast cancer and “Parkinson’s ailment” rather Parkinson’s disease.

Watchdog groups – such as Retraction Watch – have tracked the problem and have noted retractions by journals that were forced to act on occasions when fabrications were uncovered. One study, by Nature , revealed that in 2013 there were just over 1,000 retractions. In 2022, the figure topped 4,000 before jumping to more than 10,000 last year.

Of this last total, more than 8,000 retracted papers had been published in journals owned by Hindawi, a subsidiary of the publisher Wiley, figures that have now forced the company to act. “We will be sunsetting the Hindawi brand and have begun to fully integrate the 200-plus Hindawi journals into Wiley’s ­portfolio,” a Wiley spokesperson told the Observer .

The spokesperson added that Wiley had now identified hundreds of fraudsters present in its portfolio of journals, as well as those who had held guest editorial roles. “We have removed them from our systems and will continue to take a proactive … approach in our efforts to clean up the scholarly record, strengthen our integrity processes and contribute to cross-industry solutions.”

But Wiley insisted it could not tackle the crisis on its own, a message echoed by other publishers, which say they are under siege from paper mills. Academics remain cautious, however. The problem is that in many countries, academics are paid according to the number of papers they have published.

“If you have growing numbers of researchers who are being strongly incentivised to publish just for the sake of publishing, while we have a growing number of journals making money from publishing the resulting articles, you have a perfect storm,” said Professor Marcus Munafo of Bristol University. “That is exactly what we have now.”

The harm done by publishing poor or fabricated research is demonstrated by the anti-parasite drug ivermectin. Early laboratory studies indicated it could be used to treat Covid-19 and it was hailed as a miracle drug. However, it was later found these studies showed clear evidence of fraud, and medical authorities have refused to back it as a treatment for Covid.

“The trouble was, ivermectin was used by anti-vaxxers to say: ‘We don’t need vaccination because we have this wonder drug,’” said Jack Wilkinson at Manchester University. “But many of the trials that underpinned those claims were not authentic.”

Wilkinson added that he and his colleagues were trying to develop protocols that researchers could apply to reveal the authenticity of studies that they might include in their own work. “Some great science came out during the pandemic, but there was an ocean of rubbish research too. We need ways to pinpoint poor data right from the start.”

The danger posed by the rise of the paper mill and fraudulent research papers was also stressed by Professor Malcolm MacLeod of Edinburgh University. “If, as a scientist, I want to check all the papers about a particular drug that might target cancers or stroke cases, it is very hard for me to avoid those that are fabricated. Scientific knowledge is being polluted by made-up material. We are facing a crisis.”

This point was backed by Bishop: “People are building careers on the back of this tidal wave of fraudulent science and could end up running scientific institutes and eventually be used by mainstream journals as reviewers and editors. Corruption is creeping into the system.”

  • Peer review and scientific publishing
  • The Observer
  • Higher education
  • Universities
  • Newspapers & magazines
  • Medical research

Most viewed

Read our research on: Immigration & Migration | Podcasts | Election 2024

Regions & Countries

Americans’ social media use, youtube and facebook are by far the most used online platforms among u.s. adults; tiktok’s user base has grown since 2021.

To better understand Americans’ social media use, Pew Research Center surveyed 5,733 U.S. adults from May 19 to Sept. 5, 2023. Ipsos conducted this National Public Opinion Reference Survey (NPORS) for the Center using address-based sampling and a multimode protocol that included both web and mail. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race and ethnicity, education and other categories.

Polls from 2000 to 2021 were conducted via phone. For more on this mode shift, read our Q&A .

Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and  its methodology ­­­.

A note on terminology: Our May-September 2023 survey was already in the field when Twitter changed its name to “X.” The terms  Twitter  and  X  are both used in this report to refer to the same platform.

Social media platforms faced a range of controversies in recent years, including concerns over misinformation and data privacy . Even so, U.S. adults use a wide range of sites and apps, especially YouTube and Facebook. And TikTok – which some Congress members previously called to ban – saw growth in its user base.

These findings come from a Pew Research Center survey of 5,733 U.S. adults conducted May 19-Sept. 5, 2023.

Which social media sites do Americans use most?

A horizontal bar chart showing that most U.S. adults use YouTube and Facebook; about half use Instagram.

YouTube by and large is the most widely used online platform measured in our survey. Roughly eight-in-ten U.S. adults (83%) report ever using the video-based platform.

While a somewhat lower share reports using it, Facebook is also a dominant player in the online landscape. Most Americans (68%) report using the social media platform.

Additionally, roughly half of U.S. adults (47%) say they use Instagram .

The other sites and apps asked about are not as widely used , but a fair portion of Americans still use them:

  • 27% to 35% of U.S. adults use Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, WhatsApp and Snapchat.
  • About one-in-five say they use Twitter (recently renamed “X”) and Reddit.  

This year is the first time we asked about BeReal, a photo-based platform launched in 2020. Just 3% of U.S. adults report using it.

Recent Center findings show that YouTube also dominates the social media landscape among U.S. teens .

TikTok sees growth since 2021

One platform – TikTok – stands out for growth of its user base. A third of U.S. adults (33%) say they use the video-based platform, up 12 percentage points from 2021 (21%).

A line chart showing that a third of U.S. adults say they use TikTok, up from 21% in 2021.

The other sites asked about had more modest or no growth over the past couple of years. For instance, while YouTube and Facebook dominate the social media landscape, the shares of adults who use these platforms has remained stable since 2021.

The Center has been tracking use of online platforms for many years. Recently, we shifted from gathering responses via telephone to the web and mail. Mode changes can affect study results in a number of ways, therefore we have to take a cautious approach when examining how things have – or have not – changed since our last study on these topics in 2021. For more details on this shift, please read our Q&A .

Stark age differences in who uses each app or site

Adults under 30 are far more likely than their older counterparts to use many of the online platforms. These findings are consistent with previous Center data .

A dot plot showing that the youngest U.S. adults are far more likely to use Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok; age differences are less pronounced for Facebook.

Age gaps are especially large for Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok – platforms that are used by majorities of adults under 30. For example:

  • 78% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use Instagram, far higher than the share among those 65 and older (15%).
  • 65% of U.S. adults under 30 report using Snapchat, compared with just 4% of the oldest age cohort.
  • 62% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use TikTok, much higher than the share among adults ages 65 years and older (10%).
  • Americans ages 30 to 49 and 50 to 64 fall somewhere in between for all three platforms.

YouTube and Facebook are the only two platforms that majorities of all age groups use. That said, there is still a large age gap between the youngest and oldest adults when it comes to use of YouTube. The age gap for Facebook, though, is much smaller.

Americans ages 30 to 49 stand out for using three of the platforms – LinkedIn, WhatsApp and Facebook – at higher rates. For instance, 40% of this age group uses LinkedIn, higher than the roughly three-in-ten among those ages 18 to 29 and 50 to 64. And just 12% of those 65 and older say the same. 

Overall, a large majority of the youngest adults use multiple sites and apps. About three-quarters of adults under 30 (74%) use at least five of the platforms asked about. This is far higher than the shares of those ages 30 to 49 (53%), 50 to 64 (30%), and ages 65 and older (8%) who say the same.  

Refer to our social media fact sheet for more detailed data by age for each site and app.

Other demographic differences in use of online platforms

A number of demographic differences emerge in who uses each platform. Some of these include the following:

  • Race and ethnicity: Roughly six-in-ten Hispanic (58%) and Asian (57%) adults report using Instagram, somewhat higher than the shares among Black (46%) and White (43%) adults. 1
  • Gender: Women are more likely than their male counterparts to say they use the platform.
  • Education: Those with some college education and those with a college degree report using it at somewhat higher rates than those who have a high school degree or less education.
  • Race and ethnicity: Hispanic adults are particularly likely to use TikTok, with 49% saying they use it, higher than Black adults (39%). Even smaller shares of Asian (29%) and White (28%) adults say the same.
  • Gender: Women use the platform at higher rates than men (40% vs. 25%).
  • Education: Americans with higher levels of formal education are especially likely to use LinkedIn. For instance, 53% of Americans with at least a bachelor’s degree report using the platform, far higher than among those who have some college education (28%) and those who have a high school degree or less education (10%). This is the largest educational difference measured across any of the platforms asked about.

Twitter (renamed “X”)

  • Household income: Adults with higher household incomes use Twitter at somewhat higher rates. For instance, 29% of U.S. adults who have an annual household income of at least $100,000 say they use the platform. This compares with one-in-five among those with annual household incomes of $70,000 to $99,999, and around one-in-five among those with annual incomes of less than $30,000 and those between $30,000 and $69,999.
  • Gender: Women are far more likely to use Pinterest than men (50% vs. 19%).
  • Race and ethnicity: 54% of Hispanic adults and 51% of Asian adults report using WhatsApp. This compares with 31% of Black adults and even smaller shares of those who are White (20%).

A heat map showing how use of online platforms – such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok – differs among some U.S. demographic groups.

  • Estimates for Asian adults are representative of English speakers only. ↩

Sign up for our Internet, Science and Tech newsletter

New findings, delivered monthly

Report Materials

Table of contents, q&a: how – and why – we’re changing the way we study tech adoption, americans’ use of mobile technology and home broadband, social media fact sheet, internet/broadband fact sheet, mobile fact sheet, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government.

Here’s how you know

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • American Job Centers
  • Apprenticeship
  • Demonstration Grants
  • Farmworkers
  • Federal Bonding Program
  • Foreign Labor Certification
  • Indians and Native Americans
  • Job Seekers
  • Layoffs and Rapid Response
  • National Dislocated Worker Grants
  • Older Workers
  • Skills Training Grants
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance
  • Unemployment Insurance
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
  • WIOA Adult Program
  • Advisories and Directives
  • Regulations
  • Labor Surplus Area
  • Performance
  • Recovery-Ready Workplace Resource Hub
  • Research and Evaluation
  • ETA News Releases
  • Updates for Workforce Professionals
  • Regional Offices
  • Freedom of Information Act

Building Better Pathways: An Analysis of Career Trajectories and Occupational Transitions

Publication info, research methodology, country, state or territory, description, other products.

The career pathways approach to workforce development emerged to help workers with lower levels of formal education advance to better paying jobs by earning in-demand postsecondary credentials. The approach involves articulated steps of education, training, and jobs within an industry sector or occupational cluster, combined with other services and employer connections to support participant success. To advance the evidence base in the career pathways field, the Descriptive & Analytical Career Pathways Project (D&A CP Project) includes three sub-studies, each addressing different evidence gaps through distinct data sources and methods.

The Career Trajectories and Occupational Transitions (CTOT) Study provides new information on workers’ economic advancement prospects and pathways. Specifically, it examines the actual career trajectories that entrants to an occupation experience over 10 years and the specific occupational transitions that workers make as they move from one occupation to another. The analysis of trajectories helps to identify which occupations appear to be a more reliable launchpad(s) for career advancement. The study’s analysis of transitions helps to uncover common pathways to show how workers typically advance.

Focusing on mid-level occupations commonly targeted by employment and training programs, the study used panel surveys that follow individuals for decades to examine wage growth 10 years after workers entered these occupations. Additionally, in order to understand occupational transitions, the study leveraged several data sources, including information from government surveys and private labor market information providers.

Key findings include: • There is meaningful variation in wage growth trajectories among workers starting in mid-level occupations. Assuming a starting wage of $20, entrants to launchpad occupations earn about $7.20 more per hour after 10 years compared to those who enter lower-wage-growth occupations. • Several characteristics distinguish launchpad occupations, including promising clusters for high-wage growth occupations and an emphasis on transferable skills, such as problem solving and two-way communication. • Several career experiences are associated with wage growth, including the frequency of job changes and whether an individual remains in or leaves the occupational cluster. • Wage growth varies for workers with different backgrounds or experiences, including by gender, race, ethnicity, education level, and parental educational attainment.

In addition to the final report, deliverables for the D&A CP Project CTOT study include appendices detailing career trajectories and occupational transitions for healthcare, early care and education, information technology, and production/manufacturing; public use data; and a dashboard. The CTOT data also supported a paper on wage growth disparities by gender and race/ethnicity.

Additionally, the D&A CP Project produced a career pathways timeline as well as an early brief describing highlights from a scan of the research and an accompanying research and evaluation matrix.

The other two sub-studies in the D&A CP Project include a Meta-Analysis Study and Machine Learning Study.

IMAGES

  1. A Guide on How to Find Sources For a Research Paper

    reliable sources for a research paper

  2. The Ultimate Guide on Academic Sources for Research Papers

    reliable sources for a research paper

  3. How to Write a Research Paper: Full Guide with Examples

    reliable sources for a research paper

  4. How To Cite a Research Paper: Citation Styles Guide

    reliable sources for a research paper

  5. PPT

    reliable sources for a research paper

  6. How to properly cite sources in a research paper

    reliable sources for a research paper

VIDEO

  1. Struggling to find reliable research paper sources? Weopi's got you covered #Weopi.com#researchpaper

  2. Research Paper Methodology

  3. Secret To Writing A Research Paper

  4. The REAL Reason You Procrastinate On Your Research Papers (And How To Fix It TODAY!)

  5. How to choose YOUR sources WISELY: A guide to choosing source selection for historical essays

  6. Secondary Sources

COMMENTS

  1. What Are Credible Sources & How to Spot Them

    Published on August 26, 2021 by Tegan George . Revised on May 31, 2023. A credible source is free from bias and backed up with evidence. It is written by a trustworthy author or organization. There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to tell what's credible and what isn't at first glance.

  2. 10 Best Online Websites and Resources for Academic Research

    Accessing Resources 10 Best Online Websites and Resources for Academic Research Looking for reliable academic sources online can be a challenge. These online resources will help you find credible sources for your academic research. By Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. Edited by Tyler Epps Updated on March 21, 2023 Learn more about our editorial process

  3. PDF Evaluating Sources

    The most reliable sources are those that have been vetted by scholars in the field— articles published in peer-reviewed journals and books published by academic publishers.

  4. Choosing the Best Sources and Evidence

    Relevant evidence: Tyznik (2022) found that anxiety correlates with lower motivation and effort and higher rates of absenteeism. The above evidence is relevant because it is specific to anxiety and indicates strong reasons that anxiety could negatively impact student success. Both of these elements are necessary to directly support the claim made.

  5. What are Credible Sources

    Reputable sources include peer-reviewed journals, established news outlets, government websites, and academic institutions. Citations and References A credible source will provide citations and references to support its claims, allowing you to verify the information independently. Objectivity and Bias

  6. JSTOR Home

    Enrich your research with primary sources Enrich your research with primary sources. Explore millions of high-quality primary sources and images from around the world, including artworks, maps, photographs, and more. ... Part of UN Secretary-General Papers: Ban Ki-moon (2007-2016) Part of Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 12, No. 4 (August 2018)

  7. Tips to Find Credible Sources for Research: A Guide for Students

    Credible sources for research include: science.gov, The World Factbook, US Census Bureau, UK Statistics, and Encyclopedia Britannica. 2. What are some credible journal articles? When it comes to journal articles, determining how credible they are comes much easier than other sources.

  8. Check Your Sources: A Checklist for Validating Academic Information

    This checklist offers a structured approach to ensure your research is grounded in authoritative and relevant sources, bolstering the integrity of your work. 1. Identify Who Provided the Information. The credibility of information often hinges on the expertise and reputation of its provider. Author credentials: A source's reliability often ...

  9. 11.4 Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information

    Using Primary and Secondary Sources. Writers classify research resources in two categories: primary sources and secondary sources. Primary sources are direct, firsthand sources of information or data. For example, if you were writing a paper about the First Amendment right to freedom of speech, the text of the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights would be a primary source.

  10. How can I find good sources for my research paper?

    If you're making an argument about how a term is commonly understood, then using dictionaries or Wikipedia would be a good source. If you're making an argument about developing research in Psychology, then you'll want to focus on those peer-review or scholarly sources.

  11. Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Cite Sources

    Engaging in that field in meaningful ways is an important part of your learning journey. Citing reliable sources gives your research and writing credibility, showing your familiarity with the work of a scholarly community and your understanding of how you are contributing to it. Finally, it is unethical and illegal to use the ideas and words of ...

  12. Research Paper: A step-by-step guide: 4. Appropriate Sources

    4. Appropriate Sources - Research Paper: A step-by-step guide - Research Guides at Butte College Research Paper: A step-by-step guide: 4. Appropriate Sources What Type of Information Do You Need? The type of sources you might need for your research will depend on the type of research you are conducting.

  13. List of Reliable Websites for Research & Examples of Credible Sources

    List of Credible Sources for Research. Examples of Credible Websites (122 votes) Looking for relevant sources of information for your research is already a tiring process, but when you also need to pay attention to their credibility, it becomes almost impossible! However, it's still a quite critical aspect to pay attention to.

  14. How To Find Sources For A Research Paper: Effective Tips

    1. Different Types of Sources 2. How to Find Sources for a Research Paper? 3. What Makes a Source Credible? 4. List of Sources to Avoid 5. Tips for Effective Source Selection in Your Research Paper Different Types of Sources When you start a research paper, it's important to know the different kinds of sources.

  15. FAQ: How do I know if my sources are credible/reliable?

    Articles & Research Databases Literature on your research topic and direct access to articles online, ... It is important to critically evaluate sources because using credible/reliable sources makes you a more informed writer. Think about unreliable sources as pollutants to your credibility, if you include unreliable sources in your work, your ...

  16. How to Find Reliable Sources in College

    The same skills required to write A+ papers can be used to avoid misinformation online. Librarians offer some of the best research tips for evaluating online sources. Be aware that even credible news sources can have political bias. College students pay library fees to access quality sources hidden behind paywalls.

  17. How to Find Sources For a Research Paper: Steps & Strategies

    17 min read Reviewed By: Published on: Jan 11, 2024 Crafting a convincing and award-winning research paper requires finding credible and reliable sources is imperative. Every single source you use should be up-to-date and relevant to the context of your research study. For starters, gathering sources is not an easy doing.

  18. Most Reliable and Credible Sources for Students

    Digital news source builds literacy and measures progress. Bottom Line: A top-notch digital news source with interactive features; a good tool to add value as students learn critical-thinking and close-reading skills. Grades: 7-8. Price: Free to try, Paid.

  19. PDF Finding Reliable Sources

    There are three reasons for finding sources for your research paper: To provide yourself with background information on your topic To support your own argument or findings To provide a counterpoint to your own argument or findings Six questions to ask about sources: who, what, when, where, why, and how

  20. Guide to Choosing Reliable Academic Citation Sources

    What are reliable academic citation sources? Reliable academic citation sources are the papers, articles, and books that you used to research your paper. Here is an example of a citation from LibGuide, which has an excellent article about using citations. "In any academic writing, you are required to identify for your reader which ideas ...

  21. The Ultimate Guide to Using Databases for Paper Writing

    Writing a research paper can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding reliable and relevant sources. With the abundance of information available online, it's crucial to utilize databases that curate high-quality content. These databases not only save you time but also ensure the credibility and accuracy of your sources.

  22. Reliable Sources for Research

    Table of Contents What Are Reliable Sources for Research? How to Find Reliable Sources How to Evaluate Sources for a Research Paper Lesson Summary Frequently Asked Questions What...

  23. Where to Find Credible Sources for Your Research Paper

    Wikipedia is a great jumping-off point in terms of figuring out what to search for, but double-check all of the facts by using credible sources of information. Use online scholarly databases such as InfoTrac , LexisNexis, and EBSCO, which provide access to the latest research in hundreds of areas. Newspapers and magazines are also rich sources ...

  24. 5 Best Sites to Buy Research Papers Online

    For instance, high school papers can be found at rates starting from $7 per page, while college students will typically pay more, with professional writing services charging at least $10 per page ...

  25. Sources used in training and professional practice

    This paper highlights the need to use reliable sources in the professional practice of psychologists. It emphasizes the importance of using scientific databases such as Web of Science, PsychInfo ...

  26. Fake research papers flagged by analysing authorship trends

    A research-technology firm has developed a new approach to help identify journal articles that originate from paper mills — companies that churn out fake or poor-quality studies and sell ...

  27. 'The situation has become appalling': fake scientific papers push

    Last year, 10,000 sham papers had to be retracted by academic journals, but experts think this is just the tip of the iceberg Tens of thousands of bogus research papers are being published in ...

  28. How Americans Use Social Media

    To better understand Americans' social media use, Pew Research Center surveyed 5,733 U.S. adults from May 19 to Sept. 5, 2023. Ipsos conducted this National Public Opinion Reference Survey (NPORS) for the Center using address-based sampling and a multimode protocol that included both web and mail. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance ...

  29. Building Better Pathways: An Analysis of Career Trajectories and

    The career pathways approach to workforce development emerged to help workers with lower levels of formal education advance to better paying jobs by earning in-demand postsecondary credentials. The approach involves articulated steps of education, training, and jobs within an industry sector or occupational cluster, combined with other services and employer connections to support participant ...