Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Evaluating Sources

A guide to evaluating the credibility of the sources of information you use in your assignments.

Overview

The credibility of your assignment rests on the credibility of the resources you have used to support your arguments. Before you include a resource you need to evaluate it to consider if it is appropriate for a university level assignment.

This guide suggests areas that you may choose to consider when evaluating resources. Of course there are many exceptions to any rule so ultimately it is up to you to decide on the appropriateness of each resource.

For more information on evaluating authority, bias, accuracy, currency, utility and peer-review click on the tabs in the left-hand column.

 Gauging credibility


Gauging credibility graphic [View a larger version of the graphic in a new tab by clicking on the image]

Ask yourself questions to determine if your information resources are low, medium or high quality. Who is the target audience? What gives it authority? Is it peer-reviewed? Is the content biased? How accurate is it? How current is it?

Download text alternatives:

We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff and students, live, learn and work.Acknowledgement of Country