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Research Guide: Evaluate

NLC's step-by-step guide to the research process

Can you trust the source of information?

Separating valuable and credible sources from untrustworthy sources helps you create better research papers. It can also help you make better consumer and life decisions.

Your assignment may require specific resource types. It is important to evaluate all sources for reliability and accuracy, as well as appropriateness to your assignment.

Consider Source Types

Primary source - original

An original document or first-person account by someone who experienced or witnessed an event

  • A novel, poem, or short story
  • A case study or research article
  • A speech or lecture
  • Handwritten letters, diaries, or manuscripts
  • Historical documents

Secondary source - one step away from primary

An interpretation of information from a primary source

  • A textbook
  • An analysis or literature review
  • A news report
  • An artistic review (film, book, art, music)

Tertiary source - leads to primary and secondary sources

  • Bibliography
  • Articles index
  • Library catalogue

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