Quality research is not determined by format. Print and digital sources must be evaluated. Think of booklets, brochures, and other materials you encountered.
So, What is quality research?
- It is research that has been reviewed by other experts to determine its quality of theory, methods, structure are sound.
- It shows where facts and information come from.
How do I know if something is reliable? Use the C.R.A.P Test here to help you decide!
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Currency: o How recent is the information? o How recently has it been updated? o Is it current enough for your topic? |
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Reliability: o What kind of information is included in the resource? o Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is it balanced? o Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations? |
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Authority: o Who is the creator or author? What are the credentials? o Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable? o What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information? o Are there advertisements? |
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Purpose/Point of View: o Is the information academic, popular, journalistic?o Is it fair, or biased? o Is the creator/author trying to sell you something? |
Why should you care about the quality of your research?
There are at least three reasons to use quality research:
1. It builds credibility as a researcher and contributer to a debate.
2. It introduces others to good methodology.
3. It encourages good research practices.
The C.R.A.P. test was developed by Molly Beestrum and Kenneth Orenic, two librarians from Dominican University.
Yes. This video provides a short explanation of Scholarly/Peer Reviewed sources:
Courtesy of North Carolina State University
Remember: consult General Tips for Finding Resources in Different Languages on the Modern Languages guide home page.