EDUC 2110: Critical Issues in Education

This short video explains several things to keep in mind when choosing information sources for research. (Video by NCSU Libraries, CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0 US license)

Reflect on which sources are considered trustworthy in different situations. (Video by Oklahoma State University Edmon Low Library, CC BY-NC 4.0)

The RADAR Framework can help you remember what kinds of questions to ask about an information source in order to determine its usefulness for your research. (Developed by librarians at Loyola Marymount University)

Rationale - What is the purpose of the information?

• Why did the author or publisher make this information available? How is this source funded?
• Are alternative points of view presented?
• Does the author use strong emotional language?

Authority - Is the author and publication credible?

• What are the author's credentials?
• Is the publisher reputable?
• Is it a fabricated or satirical source?

Date - Is the information up-to-date relative to the topic at hand?

• When was the information published or updated?
• Have newer articles on this topic been published?
• Is your topic in an area that changes rapidly, such as science or technology?

Accuracy - How correct and truthful is the information?

• Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published?
• Do the citations and references support the author's claims?
• What do other subject experts have to say on this topic?

Relevance - How relevant is this information to your own purposes?

• Does the information meet the requirements for your assignment?
• Is the information too technical or too simplified for you to use?
• Who is the intended audience?