Types of Sources and How to Evaluate Them

Scholarly Journals: These are some of the best sources for literature reviews. They are peer-reviewed and written by experts, which ensures the quality of the content. Evaluate them by checking the journal's impact factor and ensuring the article is peer-reviewed. Impact factors can give you an idea of the journal's reputation within the field, indicating the extent to which other researchers cite articles from that journal.
Books: Books can provide valuable context and comprehensive coverage. Evaluate books by looking at the author's expertise, the publisher, and the publication date. Academic presses are generally more reliable than commercial publishers. Books are especially useful for gaining a broader understanding of the topic or for exploring theoretical frameworks in more depth.
Websites: Websites can be helpful, but they require extra scrutiny. Always check the domain (.edu, .gov, .org are often more credible), and determine the author or organization responsible for the content. Avoid using content that lacks a clear author or source. Additionally, assess the site’s update frequency—outdated websites may contain information that is no longer accurate or relevant.
Grey Literature: Grey literature includes reports, theses, conference papers, and government documents. These sources can be useful but may not be peer-reviewed, so consider their credibility carefully. Evaluate grey literature based on the reputation of the issuing organization and the depth of analysis provided. Government reports, for instance, may contain valuable data that is not available elsewhere.

Practical Steps for Evaluating Sources

Cross-Check Information: One of the simplest ways to determine the credibility of a source is by cross-checking the information with other reliable sources. If multiple reputable sources agree on a fact, it is more likely to be accurate. Cross-referencing can help you identify inconsistencies and avoid using information that could be incorrect.
Use Peer-Reviewed Sources: Whenever possible, rely on peer-reviewed journals, as they have undergone rigorous evaluation by experts in the field. This adds a layer of quality assurance that other sources may lack. Peer-reviewed sources are especially important when presenting evidence that forms the foundation of your argument.
Look for Citations: Credible sources will cite their own references, providing a foundation for their claims. Check the quality of these citations and whether they come from reputable, scholarly works. The presence of robust references indicates thorough research and supports the credibility of the arguments being made.
Evaluate the Language and Tone: Scholarly articles are usually written in a formal, objective tone. If the language of the source is overly emotional or persuasive, it may indicate bias or a lack of academic rigor. Objectivity is key in scholarly work; excessive use of hyperbole or emotive language should raise a red flag.
Check Author Credentials: Investigate the author’s background to verify their expertise on the topic. Authors with advanced degrees or institutional affiliations in the field are more likely to provide trustworthy information. Look for additional works by the author to confirm that they are consistently contributing to the field.
Assess the Audience: Consider who the intended audience is. Scholarly sources are usually written for academics, researchers, and students, which can be a marker of reliability. Sources intended for the general public may oversimplify complex information or introduce bias, and may not provide the depth needed for academic work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying Solely on One Type of Source: Avoid relying only on one type of source, such as websites or books. A strong literature review uses a mix of peer-reviewed journals, books, and other credible types of sources to provide a comprehensive overview. This variety ensures that your literature review includes multiple perspectives and reduces the risk of bias.
Ignoring Publication Date: Failing to consider the publication date can lead to using outdated information. Make sure to use the most current sources, particularly in fast-evolving fields. Even when older sources are included, they should be supplemented with recent research to show how the field has progressed.
Neglecting to Verify Credentials: Using a source without verifying the author’s credentials can introduce unreliable information. Always take the time to research the author’s background and ensure they are qualified to speak on the topic. This step is critical in establishing the reliability and authority of your sources.
Overlooking Bias: Not considering potential bias in your sources can weaken your literature review. Be mindful of the purpose behind each source and aim for a balanced selection that represents multiple viewpoints. Awareness of bias allows you to present a nuanced, well-rounded analysis.