Researchers use many different types of sources, including:
The types of source you use might change as you make progress through the research process.
Continue reading: What types of sources do academic researchers use?
The “Relevance” component of the CRAAP test for evaluating sources refers to whether the information in a source is related to your research subject. Consider if the information adds something to your argument and whether the information is intended for a specialized audience.
Continue reading: What does relevance mean in the CRAAP test?
The “Accuracy” component of the CRAAP test for evaluating sources refers to whether the information in a source is correct, factually based, and supported by evidence. Consider where the information has come from and the source itself. For example, was it published by a reputable source, and are you able to verify the claims?
Continue reading: What does accuracy mean in the CRAAP test?
Academic journals use peer review processes to evaluate submissions for publication. Experts in the subject area use defined criteria to measure the quality of a text and determine suitability for publication.
The peer review process results in high-quality publications, which is why academic journals are often considered the most credible sources.
If a source doesn’t use a peer review process, you can use the CRAAP test to determine whether it is credible.
Continue reading: What is the definition of peer review?
The type of signal phrase you use provides information about your or the original author’s position on the point presented. Signal phrases can indicate agreement, disagreement, doubt, and other relationships between authors’ stances.
Common signal phrases to indicate agreement include “confirms” or “supports” (e.g., “Smith’s works confirms the prevailing view”).
Common signal phrases to indicate disagreement include “denies” or “refutes” (e.g., “Attorney Marta Resnick denies that there is any credible evidence pointing to her client”).
Neutral signal phrases include “states” or “observes” (e.g., “Liu and Gray observe that …”).
Continue reading: What are good signal phrases?
Signal phrases are used to attribute information to the original source. This is important as it enables you to:
Continue reading: Why do I need to use signal phrases?
Signal phrases have a variety of functions. They can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
When using signal phrases to integrate another author’s ideas, words, or data, include:
The verb tense you use in your signal phrase depends on the style guide you are following.
Continue reading: How do I use signal phrases?
Tertiary sources are generally not cited directly in academic writing. However, they can be useful as a jumping-off point when you begin the research process.
When you’re starting your research, you can use tertiary sources to:
Tertiary sources can direct you to primary and secondary sources that you can use later during the writing process.
Continue reading: Can I use tertiary sources in my research?
Your research problem and the way you use a source will determine whether it is tertiary.
The following questions can help you evaluate whether something is a tertiary source:
Continue reading: How do I tell if a source is tertiary?
Primary sources involve original research with novel findings or provide firsthand evidence (e.g., photographs, records, official documents).
Secondary sources offer analyses or interpretations of primary source evidence or findings (e.g., journal articles, reviews).
Tertiary sources are reference works that use primary and secondary sources to provide an overview of the topic (e.g., databases, dictionaries).
Continue reading: How are tertiary sources different from primary and secondary sources?
