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Check any international/national/local newspaper or news channel to learn more about its credibility and biases.

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This search will also scan all articles we have posted as well as source pages.

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What are some ways that you can identify good sources for your research paper? Can you apply these skills to identify misinformation out in the world?

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This article will help you find sources and then identify the ones that are credible.

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When it comes to writing a research paper, it's crucial that you use credible sources to make sure that the information you are stating is actually true. Knowing the difference between credible sources and unreliable sources doesn't always come so easily with endless information flooding the internet. Thankfully, there are some simple tips that you can use to ensure that you are always using credible sources for research.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that uses original research on a specific topic. There are many different types of research papers, ranging from a high school term paper to a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation.

How To Start A Search For Sources

1. Start simple

If you're wondering how to find sources for a research paper, the easiest and best way to start is simple! Just try browsing through some common search engines to see what you find.

2. Cross Wikipedia off

Wikipedia, although it's a massive pool of information, should always be avoided when writing a research paper since it allows the public to edit information. Sites such as these often run the risk of lacking accuracy, and is not one of the most credible sources for research.

3. Yes to scholarly databases

Scholarly databases are your best friend when it comes to finding credible sources for research. Online scholarly databases that can be trusted and are known to provide useful information for students include LexisNexis and EBSCO.

4. Newspapers and magazines

Although sometimes biased, newspapers and magazines can also be a great place to find information about current events.

5. The library

While the library seems to be the most obvious place to find information, somehow it's often forgotten when it comes to research in the modern age. Don't forget how useful it can truly be!

Types of Credible Sources for Research

1. What are some credible websites?

Many online sources do not necessarily contain information that is correct or has been checked. That's why it's of utmost importance to make sure that you're using the right websites for your research, with government and educational websites generally being the most reliable.

Credible sources for research include: science.gov, The World Factbook, US Census Bureau, UK Statistics, and Encyclopedia Britannica.

2. What are some credible journal articles?

When it comes to journal articles, determining how credible they are comes much easier than other sources. This is generally due to the fact that many of these websites will include valuable information such as how many times the article has been cited, and if its been peer reviewed.

Some great examples of reliable websites for journal articles include Google Scholar, Oxford Academic, Microsoft Academic, Cornell University Library, and SAGE Publishing.

If you are ever not sure how to find credible sources, then there's the CRAAP test, which takes into account the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose of the article. Take all of these factors into consideration before using a source and determining whether or not it's credible enough. Even if it takes more time, you'll be saving yourself tons of time in the long run by not using unreliable sources.

3. What are some credible news sources?

When it comes to news articles, more caution must be taken since it's hard to know which sources are truly reliable and unbiased. The CRAAP test is also useful in this type of article for research.

A few examples of credible news sources include The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Washington Post.

The Credibility of a Source

As you search for your research information, you will surely come across the question of how to find credible sources for a research paper. Here are some criteria to focus on to ensure that you only use the most credible of sources.

1. What's the depth of it?

Always look at the depth of an article, not just the written content. See how long the article is, and if it contains the necessary information such as an abstract, a reference list, and documented data.

2. Who is reading it?

When judging the credibility of an article, it's important to always ask yourself who the target audience of the article is. Sometimes, sources have a specific goal in mind and it can create certain biases.

3. What's the goal?

Just as you should do with the audience, also ask yourself what the article is trying to achieve. What is their ultimate goal and how are they persuading you of that?

4. Who wrote it?

Always ask yourself who wrote the article and how reputable they are in the specific field. Look at what other published works they have as well.

5. Can it be trusted?

Overall, it's key to ask yourself how reputable the source is. What kind of website is it published on? Look at the big picture.

6. Is it relevant to now?

Look at the date of the article, or about the specific things they are mentioning in the article. If it's from a few years ago, it's probably not too relevant to your current research.

7. Can it be proven?

While an article may sound incredibly convincing, many people have a way with words and persuasion. Stop and ask yourself whether or not what they are claiming can actually be proven.

How to Evaluate Source Credibility

By using unreliable sources in your research, it can discredit your status, which is why it's incredibly important to make sure that any information you are using is up-to-date and accurate.

Here's how to find credible sources.

1. What is a credible source?

Generally, materials that have been published within the past 10 years are considered to be credible sources for research. Another important factor to consider is the author - if they are well known and respected in their specific fields, that's also generally a sign that the article is credible. Educational and government-run websites (.gov, .edu) tend to also be a safe source to use, as well as academic databases. Google Scholar is also a no-fail source for reliable information.

2. What is a potentially unreliable source?

Anything that is out of date, meaning it's been published more than 10 years ago should be avoided. Materials published on social media platforms such as Facebook or personal blogs don't tend to be the most credible. Always make sure that an article contains proper citations and that the website you are using ends in .com or .org.

Free Resources For Learning

There are many free resources for research available known as open educational resources. They are licensed for free use, with the intention of teaching. They can be determined as credible sources for research if they have a Creative Common license, and if the author has proven to be an expert in their field. Always make sure that the content you are using contains no biases.

Sites For Scholarly Research

When performing scholarly research, it's extra important to make sure that your sources are credible. Government-run research is considered credible, but beware of any political sites.
University and educational websites also tend to be reliable, but still take everything you read with a grain of salt. Company websites also tend to be reliable, although their ultimate goal is usually to promote a product. Organizations which are .org websites can be professional and reliable, however, sometimes they also have their own interests.

Which Sites Can Be Relied On

The internet has no shortage of information out there. That's why you'll need these handy tips to determine which to use, and how to distinguish through the vast choices without feeling overwhelmed.

List of Credible Research Sources to Consider

1. Government Entities

These websites tend to be reliable since they are highly regulated. Examples include the CIA World Factbook and the United States Justice Statistics.

2. Research Think Tanks

Examples of reliable research think tanks include Rand Corporation, Pew Research Center and The Milken Institute.

3. Academic Libraries and Databases

ProQuest, Scopus, and Jstor are great examples of academic libraries and databases that can be trusted.

4. Professional Standards Organizations

The American Bar Association and The American Psychological Association (APA) are highly credible sources when it comes to professional standards.

How to Write a Research Paper: Step-by-Step

Now that you're an expert on finding credible sources for research, you're ready to go! But how do you even start to write a research paper? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

For starters, it's important to get clear instructions from your professor on what they want. The next step is to start brainstorming ideas for a topic of research. Once you've decided and feel confident about it, you're ready to create your outline and plan out the goal of your research paper.

Befriend your librarian and start to search for quality and credible sources through a variety of means. Make sure you understand your topic from top to bottom before you start writing. As you write, be sure to always keep things factual, and that you finalize your thesis statement throughout your paper - not just at the end. That's what's going to guide your writing. Be sure to always keep format in mind, never forget to cite your sources, and to never skip those edits and final checks.

Now you are ready to write a high-quality, fact-driven research paper that's sure to impress your professors.

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Tips to Find Credible Sources for Research: A Guide for Students

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How and where to find the most credible sources for research as a student.

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I need a quick overview about how to evaluate sources for reliability.

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I need a quick overview about how to evaluate sources for reliability.

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This video is under four minutes long!

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How to Evaluate Sources for Reliability - Writing for Kids

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What are some clues that it's misinformation?

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What are some clues that it's misinformation?

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Watch out for these misinformation warning signs.

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I want to read a headline from multiple perspectives.

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I want to read a headline from multiple perspectives.

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Find out what the left, center, and right of the political spectrum think. Also, check out the fact checking articles!

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AllSides Headline Roundups™ bring you top news stories from the left, center and right of the political spectrum - side-by-side so you can see the full picture.

We rotate the order of headlines to avoid biasing our coverage in favor of the left, which otherwise would always be listed first.

Learn how AllSides provides balanced news

MSNBC (Left bias) announced it's canceling opinion commentator Mehdi Hasan's Sunday night show on Thursday, drawing opinions from journalists and media outlets. For Context: Hasan is known...

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AllSides | Balanced news via media bias ratings for an unbiased news perspective

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We use media bias ratings to provide balanced news, perspectives and issues across the political spectrum. Unbiased news coverage doesn't exist - there is no such thing as unbiased news or t

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What are the most reliable current events sources?

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What are the most reliable current events sources?

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Check out this chart to learn more about the biases that news sources carry.

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-42.0-30.0-18.0-12.0-6.00.06.012.018.030.042.0Most Extreme LeftHyper-Partisan LeftStrong LeftSkews LeftMiddle or Balanced BiasSkews RightStrong RightHyper-Partisan RightMost Extreme Right0.08.016.024.032.040.048.056.064.0ContainsInaccurate /Fabricated InfoContainsMisleading InfoSelective orIncomplete /Unfair PersuasionOpinion or WideVariation inReliabilityAnalysis or WideVariation inReliabilityMix of FactReporting andAnalysis orSimple FactReportingThorough FactReporting orFact-DenseAnalysisOriginal FactReporting, HighEffort* Audience Size is provided by Comscore Media Metrix® Multi-Platform and represents an unduplicated measure of digital audiences across desktop and mobile devices.Comscore audience size is visible on a limited number of sources on this free version. Use of Comscore data is subject to theirTerms of UseandProduct Terms. To see Comscore audience data for all available news sources, learn aboutupgrading to ProMedia Bias Chart® Licensed Copy. Copyright © Ad Fontes Media, Inc 2025

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I need some help evaluating Internet resources.

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I need some help evaluating Internet resources.

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It's easy to find information on most any topic on the Web but whether the information found is reliable, up-to-date and unbiased is the question researchers face. Since anyone can post anything on the Web, it is very important to critically examine the information and the website. Use the following criteria to evaluate web resources.

Currency

When was the information published or posted?

Is it current enough for your topic?

Has it been revised or updated?

Relevance

Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?

Who is the intended audience?

Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced?)

Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining to use this one?

Are the topics included explored in depth?

Authority

Who is the author or creator?

What are the author's qualifications or credentials in writing about this subject?

How reputable is the publisher?

Are there organization affiliations? Are they reputable?

Does the information provide references or sources of data?

Accuracy

Where does the information come from?

Is the information supported by evidence?

Has the information been reviewed or refereed?

Can you verify the information in another source or from personal knowledge?

is the content primarily opinion? Or is it balanced with multiple points of view?

Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?

Purpose

What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?

Do the authors make their intentions or purpose clear?

Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?

Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?

Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

The CRAAP Test was developed by a librarian at California State University, Chico.

For more questions to ask when evaluating sources, check the guide, Criteria for Evaluating Information, created by OTIS College of Art and Design Library.

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Research Guides: Introduction to Research: Humanities and Social Sciences: Web Resources

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It's easy to find information on most any topic on the Web but whether the information found is reliable, up-to-date and unbiased is the question researchers face. Since anyone can post anything on the Web, it is very important to critically examine the information and the website.

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WHAT IS ETHICAL WRITING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Ethical writing is writing that clearly indicates (via documentation) where source material has been incorporated into one's own writing.

Ethical writing is also writing that acknowledges a range of perspectives on an issue.

Ethical writing is writing with a level of inclusion, respect, and acknowledgement of diversity.

The importance of ethical writing, then, is based not only upon the avoidance of plagiarism, but also avoiding the weaknesses of bias and exclusive language (sexist, racist, homophobic, etc.) This strengthens the credibility and persuasiveness of the writer's argument.

WAYS TO FORM A COMPLETE ARGUMENT

Include many different viewpoints; it helps to ground your argument and make your own contribution stand out.

Respect, and take seriously, the opinions and beliefs of others. Explain other opinions fully and clearly, without bias.

Use an accredited opposing viewpoint. Choose an opposing argument that's worth countering, not an easily discredited "straw man."

CONSIDERING WORDING

Try to avoid making assumptions about what your audience knows or about who they are.

Try to avoid overly emotional words, euphemisms, and other types of "loaded language."

Consider factors such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, age, ability, etc. when writing, and avoid stereotypes.

Use inclusive language (language that avoids assumptions and includes others).
For example, say "police officer" rather than "policeman" (which would exclude female police officers).

CITING SOURCES

Cite sources properly, using the most recent documentation style sheet/manual available.

Cite any and all ideas that are "borrowed" (anything that did not originate with you).

Cite BOTH paraphrases AND direct quotes.

Ask professors which citation style is preferable (MLA, APA, ASA, Chicago, etc.)

For further discussion of ethical writing practices, see The Everyday Writer by Andrea Lunsford.

RELIABLE RESOURCES

How to determine the credibility of a source

1. Research the writer. What are his/her credentials?

2. What press published it/what website posted it?

3. How long ago was it created? Is it still viable?

4. Why was it created? Does it represent a particular viewpoint?

5. Is it directly relevant to your argument? Is it something your audience wants/needs to know?

6. If it's from the internet, is it a credible site? How do you know?

7. Do not use Wikipedia or any other non-juried collaborative site!

8. Go to the Purdue Owl for more details.

FINDING RELIABLE RESOURCES

Strive for Objective Research

Objective research is when you as a student search for answers without being overly influenced by your own personal beliefs or preconceived notions about the topic.

One thing to be sure of while researching is to not build an opinion-based argument. This is where you pick and choose only those bits of information that support your viewpoint, while ignoring any contradictory evidence.

Visit the Campus Library

The Campus Library has a multitude of ways that you can find reliable sources. One of the most beneficial databases can be found on their website. It is called Academic Search Complete (under the "Finding Articles" tab). It contains a range of databases that will pertain to your specific subject.

Another database that can be found in the Library is access to the Ohio Link Program. Ohio link is a conglomeration of all state funded libraries in Ohio. If a book is in circulation in the state of Ohio, you can request it and have it in your hands within two weeks free of charge.

For assistance using these programs, ask a librarian for help.

Academic Sources

There are many different types of sources available on the internet, in publications, and in other media. Making sure that the source is academically appropriate is key to academic success. Investigate your sources before using them. Have they been thoroughly reviewed by experts in the field before publication?

Look for books published by university and other well-known, well-respected presses. Check book reviews. What do scholars think of it?

Academic articles are another great source for research. Reputable academic journals are different from "popular press" magazines. Many library databases allow you to limit your searches to academic sources. Look for the "Scholarly Journals" box to check in "Search Options" before you hit the "Search" button.

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Ethical Writing & Reliable Sources Kent State Stark | WHAT IS ETHICAL WRITING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Ethical writing is writing that clearly indicates (via documentation) where source material has been incorporated into one's own writing. Ethical writing is also writing that acknowledges a range of perspectives on an issue.

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How can I find good sources for my research paper?

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How can I find good sources for my research paper?

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Collecting sources for a research paper can sometimes be a daunting task. When beginning your research, it's often a good idea to begin with common search engines, like Google, and general descriptions like you can find on Wikipedia. Often though these are not the sources you ultimately want in your paper. Some tips for getting from this beginning research to finding "good" sources include the following.

Make a list of research terms you can use when searching in the library or even online. Start with your core list, but also add other keywords and phrases that you notice as you research.

Also, when you find a good source, look to see if it has "tags." You can add these phrases to your list search terms. Sometimes the tags are also links that you can follow which will take you to lists of similar sources.

Think about the kind of sources required by the assignment and also the kind of sources that are "good" for your question or topic. Many library search engines and databases have the option to return only "peer-reviewed" or "scholarly" sources-which are sources that have been read by other scholars before being published. Also, the UofL library offers a list of Research Guides which can help you find useful databases for finding sources.

When considering what counts as a "good" source, it's smart to consider what question you're asking. If you're making an argument about how a term is commonly understood, then using dictionaries or Wikipedia would be a good source. If you're making an argument about developing research in Psychology, then you'll want to focus on those peer-review or scholarly sources.

Review the works cited or bibliography section of sources that have already been helpful. The sources they are using will probably be helpful to you also. Some search engines, like Google Scholar, include a link under a source that says "Cited by"-which brings back a list of other sources that have used the source you're looking at. Google Scholar provides varying quality in their results, depending on the subject area and other things, but it's a great place to start.

The reference librarians in Ekstrom library (right next door to the University Writing Center) are available to help you with your research. You can make appointments to meet with them here. During these appointments, they can help you find the most helpful databases, decide what sources might be most helpful, and more.

What can the Writing Center do to help?

Writing Center consultants can meet with you to help you get started and find a good direction when working on a research project. This includes but certainly isn't limited to brainstorming lists of research terms, deciding which kinds of sources will best help you answer your research question(s), looking at some preliminary helpful sources, and more. Talking about these topics can help you figure out how to approach searching for and finding good sources. We also know how and when to refer you for a follow-up appointment with the Reference Assistance and Instruction department.

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How can I find good sources for my research paper?

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Collecting sources for a research paper can sometimes be a daunting task. When beginning your research, it's often a good idea to begin with common search engines, like Google, and general descriptions like you can find on Wikipedia. Often though these are not the sources you ultimately want in your paper.

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What should I remember when evaluating sources?

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What should I remember when evaluating sources?

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Podcast episode: "Evaluating sources," from Purdue University Global Academic success center

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Purdue University Global Academic Success Center

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Evaluating Sources - Purdue University Global Academic Success Center

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Evaluating Sources Podcast Evaluating Sources Transcript Greetings everyone. This is Kurtis Clements with another effective writing podcast. In this episode, I am going to discuss what you should keep in […]

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How to identify manipulated images and video

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How to identify manipulated images and videos.

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Find out here! This post includes both a video and text.

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Research Guides: Evaluating Sources: The CRAAP Test

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Use the resources in this guide to help you develop the critical evaluation skills to select the best books, journal ariticles, and web sites to support your research projects.

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Learners follow ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using information by

evaluating information for accuracy, validity, social and cultural context, and appropriateness for need

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Evaluating sources for a research paper over current events topics

12th grade