Unit 5: Conducting Independent Research
37 Finding and Evaluating Sources
Types of Sources
Consider the different types of sources and the pros and cons of using each source type:
| Source | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic databases | easy to use; strong search tools; academic and reliable sources | too many results if your topic has not been narrowed |
| Books | online books are easy to search; you can read one chapter instead of the whole book | physical books are heavy; not all books are online or PDFs |
| Newspapers | short articles; easy to read; good for current events | may not be academic or current; some articles can be biased |
| Google Scholar | easy to use; includes scholarly articles and citations | some articles cost money (but you never have to pay when you use Google Scholar in the UW databases) |
| General internet search (i.e. Google) | very easy to use; free; good for background information | too many results; information may not be reliable |
| Websites | can provide up-to-date information; useful for statistics, organizations, and official reports | quality varies widely; some sites may be biased, unverified, or outdated |
| Generative AI search | easy to use; helps find ideas and keywords; may find sources | may give false sources; not all sources are reliable or real |
General Source Evaluation Criteria
Not every source you find will be reliable, appropriate, or useful for an academic research paper. Before you spend time reading or downloading an article, use the questions below to decide whether the source is worth using.
- Relevance: Is the source directly related to my topic?
If it doesn’t clearly connect to your research question, it may not be worth reading. - Readability: Can I understand the source?
If it is too technical, too advanced (or too long), choose something more accessible. - Evidence: What types of information are in the source?
Types may include: expert opinion, facts and statistics, results from research studies, real examples, or historical or current examples - Source age: How current is the source?
As a general rule, use sources from the past five years, unless you’re comparing past and present, or you need historical background. Older sources are not “bad” but they must fit your purpose. - Bias: Is the source biases or promoting a specific agenda?
All sources have a point of view. The key is recognizing it. For example, if you’re researching animal rights and use a PETA article, remember that PETA takes a strong activist stance. This doesn’t mean you can’t use it, just that you need to understand the perspective behind the information. PETA stands for “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.”
What about Wikipedia?
You can use Wikipedia to get general background information and vocabulary. However: Do not cite Wikipedia in your research paper. Its pages change frequently and are not considered reliable academic sources. Check the references at the bottom to find better sources.
What about a Google search?
Sources from a general Google search may or may not be appropriate. You must evaluate them carefully using the criteria above.
Where to find Strong Sources: Use the UW Libraries Website
Sources from the UW–Madison Libraries’ databases are usually reliable and academic.
- Visit the UW Libraries Homepage to access the databases
- Consult the UW Library Research Tutorials
- Use a UW Supported Citation Manager to manage your sources
- Instructions for using Google Scholar through the UW Libraries databases
Using Generative AI Tools (Important!)
Guidelines for the appropriate use of Generative AI for reserach
Generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Copilot, or Gemini) can be helpful for:
- brainstorming
- clarifying difficult concepts
- finding keywords
- summarizing complex ideas
However, they should not be used as sources. AI tools:
- do not provide original research
- may generate inaccurate or outdated information
- cannot be cited as academic evidence
Use AI for thinking and organizing, not for research findings. If your instructor allows you to use AI for help, always:
- check information against reliable academic sources
- cite your use of the tool according to class or university guidelines
Resource
See the UW’s Library Research Guide on Generative AI for more information.
- Different types of sources have strengths and limits; choose sources that fit your purpose.
- Not every source is appropriate for academic writing. Sources must be evaluated carefully.
- Strong sources are relevant, understandable, evidence‑based, current, and transparent about bias.
- UW–Madison Library databases are the best place to find reliable academic sources.
- Wikipedia can help with background knowledge but should not be cited.
- Generative AI tools can support thinking and organization, but they are not academic sources and must be used carefully.
Watch this video on evaluating sources
From Kristina Ulmer
