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Fullerton College Library

Research 101: Evaluating Sources

Getting Started With Research at Fullerton College Library

Evaluate Source in Three Moves

Use these three quick moves to separate solid evidence from shaky claims.

  • 2-minute triage: Skim through steps 1 and 2. If the source is promising, spend a few more minutes of step 3.
  • Aim for better. If a source raises red flags you cannot resolve in a few minutes, find a stronger source.

Strong sources don’t just support your claim, they make it harder to knock down. You'll know you've found a good source when:

  • It clearly addresses your question and is written with the right intent and enough depth to be useful.
  • The author and publication have trustworthy authority.
  • Evidence is cited, accurate, and makes the claim stronger.

Move 1 – Read Vertically for Relevance

Goal: Decide fast if the source is worth your time.

How: Scroll through the page, looking for...

  • Title, headings, and first paragraph or abstract - Do they address your research question? Do they mention your key terms?
  • Date - Is it current enough for the topic?
    • Health, tech, policy: keep it within 3-5 years
    • Social sciences: depending on the topic, keep it within 5-10 years.
    • Humanities: older can be fine if it is a foundational work.
  • Length and depth - Do you see evidence (facts, data, quotes, or clear sources) not just opinions or summaries?
  • Audience and purpose
    • Is it written for an informed or general audience (e.g., scholars, professionals, or the public)?
    • Is the goal to inform or report facts? 
    • Avoid sources trying to advocate for a cause, promote an opinion, or sell something.

Quick Tip: If you can’t find keywords or ideas that connect to your claim in the first few glances, it’s probably not worth your time.

Move 2 – Read Laterally for Authority

Goal: Judge if the source and author are trustworthy.

How: In new tabs, search for...

  • Publication or website name.
    • Reputation: What do other sources, e.g., Wikipedia, say about this publication?
    • Fact vs. Fiction: Is it known for reporting factually or spreading misinformation?
    • Agenda: Does the site promote a specific cause, or try to sway opinions more than present facts?
    • Quality Control: Is there evidence of editorial review, fact-checking, or peer review?
  • Author name plus distinguishing characteristics, such as affiliation, role/position, or topic keywords.
    • Expertise: Does the author have real experience in this subject?
    • Independence: Is the author free from obvious conflicts of interest?

Quick Tip: If you're unsure you can trust the source, find a better one.

 

Move 3 – Check the Evidence for Accuracy

Goal: Make sure the claims are fully supported and not just based on selective evidence.

How:

  • Check what kind of evidence the source uses.
    • Is this information based on research, data, or expert analysis, or is it mostly stories, single cases, or opinions?
  • Click 1-2 references that matter most to your claim.
    • Use Ctrl+F to find keywords or numbers mentioned in the original source.
    • Does the original source actually say what the author claims, or is it being misrepresented or taken out of context?
  • Cross-check key facts, statistics, or data with at least one other independent, reliable source.
    • Do multiple, credible sources confirm this information, or are you relying on just one point of view?

Quick Tip: If a claim isn’t supported by clear, verifiable evidence within the source and can’t be confirmed in another independent, reliable source, move on and find something stronger.

Stuck? Reach Out

Need help evaluating sources for relevance, authority, or accuracy?

Chat with us. During open hours, your FC librarians are standing by.

Prefer face-to-face help? Stop by the reference desk or make a virtual or in-person appointment. 

We'll get you unstuck and moving forward.