3.2 Secondary Research (Evaluating Sources)

Question 1

What factors are involved when evaluating sources in Secondary Research?

Answer 1

Author
Publisher
Accuracy
Currency
Scope
Point of view/purpose
Authority
Audience
Format

Question 2

Author

Answer 2

Author’s credentials & affiliations

Is the publisher or journal known & reputable

Question 3

Publisher

Answer 3

Who is the publisher?
Are they reputable?
Is it an academic press?

Question 4

Accuracy

Answer 4

Does the author provide references to support his/her statements?
Is the source reviewed? (has the information been verified by other professionals or researchers in the field?)

Question 5

Currency

Answer 5

How current does your information need to be?
What is the publication date?
Is the information outdated?
Is it a key historical piece of literature on your table?

Question 6

Scope

Answer 6

Is the information general or in-depth?

Breadth & depth of topic coverage (time period, geographic limitations, criteria for information inclusion)

Question 7

Point of view/purpose

Answer 7

Is information balanced & without bias?

Does the author have a specific objective or hidden agenda? (to persuade, entertain, inform)

Question 8

Authority

Answer 8

What level is the data?
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary

Question 9

Audience

Answer 9

Who is the audience?
General public
Professionals
Researchers

Question 10

Format

Answer 10

How easy is it to locate specific information within the source?