How to Critically Analyze Information Sources

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Evaluating a source can begin even before you have the source in hand. You can initially appraise a source by first examining thebibliographic citation. A bibliographic citation is a written description of a book, journal article, essay, or some other published material. Bibliographic citations usually have three main components: author, title and publication information. These components can help you determine the usefulness of this source for your paper.

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Initial Appraisal

Author

• What are the author's credentials in this area (educational backround, past writings, or experience)? Is the book or article written on a topic in the author's area of expertise? Who's Who in America, Biography Index, or the biographical information located in the publication itself can be used to determine the author's credentials.



• Has your instructor mentioned this author? Have you seen the author's name cited in other sources or bibliographies? Respected authors are cited frequently by other scholars. For this reason, always note those names that appear in many different sources.

Year of Publication

• When was the source published? This date is often located on the face of the title page below the name of the publisher. If it is not there, look for the copyright date on the reverse of the title page.



• Is the source current or out-of-date for your topic? Topic areas of continuing and rapid development, such as the sciences, demand more current information. On the other hand, topics in the humanities often require material that was written many years ago.

Edition

• Is this a first edition or not? Further editions indicate a source has been revised and updated to reflect changes in knowledge, included omissions, and to harmonize with its intended readers' needs. Also, many printings or editions may indicate that the work has become a standard source in the area and is reliable.

Publisher

• Is this a scholarly or a popular journal? This distinction is important because it is indicative of different levels of complexity in conveying ideas. If you need help in determining the type of journal, see Distinguishing Scholarly from Non-Scholarly Periodicals, check your journal title in UlrichsWeb or ask the library staff.

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Having made an initial appraisal, you should now examine the body of the source. Read the Preface to determine the author's intentions for the book. Scan the Table of Contents and the Index to get a broad overview of the materials it covers. Note wheter bibliographies are included. Read the chapters that specifically address your topic.

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CONTENT ANALYSIS

Intended Audience

• What type of audience is the author addressing? Is the publication aimed at a specialized or a general audience? Is this source too elementary, too technical, too advanced or just right for your needs?

Objective Reasoning

• Is the information stated fact, opinion, or propoganda? It is not always easy to separate fact from opinion. Facts can usually be verified; opinions, though they may be based on factual information, evolve from the interpretation of facts. Skilled writers can make you think their interpretations are facts.



• Does the information appear to be valid and well researched, or is it questionable and unsupported by evidence? Assumptions should be reasonable. Note errors or omissions.



• Is the author's point of view objective and impartial? Is the language free of emotion-rousing words and bias?

Coverage

• Does the work update other sources, substantiate other materials you have read, or add new information? Does it extensively or marginally cover your topic? You shouyld explore enough sources to obtain a variety of viewpoints.



• Is the material primary or secondary in nature? Primary sources are the raw material of the research process. Secondary sources are based on primary sources. For example, if you were researching Flagler's role in developing Florida, Flagler's own writings would be one of many primary sources available on this topic. Others might include contemporary newspaper articles. Scholars use this primary material to help generate historical interpretations -- a secondary source. Books, encyclopedia articles, and scholarly journal articles about Flagler's role would be considered secondary sources. Choose both primary and secondary sources when you have the opportunity.

Writing Style

• Is the publication organized logically? Are the main points clearly presented? Do you find the text easy to read, or is it stilted or choppy? Is the author repettive?

Evaluative Reviews

• Locate critical reviews of books in a reviewing source, such as Book Review Digest Plus. Is the review positive? Is the book under review considered a valuable contribution to the field? Does the reviewer mention other books that might be better? If so, locate these sources for more information on your topic.



• Do the various reviewers agree on the value or attributes of the book or has it aroused controversy among the critics?