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How to Know if a Source Is Credible

Search engines make virtually limitless information available with just a few clicks, but they don’t guarantee quality or reliability. As a student, it’s your responsibility to identify misinformation, unreliable sources, and author bias in your research.

This article provides a comprehensive checklist that can help you evaluate sources and identify credibility for your academic research endeavors.

The What and Why of Credibility in Academic Research

To begin evaluating sources, it’s crucial to know what you’re looking for — which means understanding the basis of reliable information. Simply put, reliable information is based on demonstrable, objective facts and evidence rather than conjecture, opinion, or unproven figures. While citing other articles and including statistics is a good sign that a source is credible, remember that even exact numbers and details can become misinformation if presented inaccurately — so never stop at surface-level source analysis.

Why does credibility matter? Reliable sources lend weight to arguments, ensuring they stand up to scrutiny. Conversely, unreliable sources can introduce errors to a field of study, leading to flawed conclusions. This type of situation can affect the integrity of the broader knowledge base and adversely affect researchers’ reputations — not to mention the academic integrity of students like you.

A Checklist for Validating Academic Information

As information continues to proliferate, credibility becomes increasingly important. This checklist offers a structured approach to ensure your research is grounded in facts and evidence — not misinformation and bias.

1. Identify Who Provided the Information

Source credibility often hinges on the expertise and reputation of its provider.

• Author credentials: A source is only as reliable as its author. When comparing multiple sources, check every author’s academic and professional background.
• Author reputation: Go beyond the initial source to check the author’s credibility across academic databases, news sources, and additional publications. Identify their credentials and think critically about whether this positions them as an expert in the topic.
• Institutional affiliation: Reputable institutions typically adhere to rigorous publication standards. If a source comes from a recognized university or research body, it's likely undergone thorough review. This is not foolproof, but it serves as a green flag for accurate information.
• Peer review: In academia, peer review is the gold standard. It means other experts in the field have examined and approved the content. You can usually find this information in the editorial guidelines for the journal or website that published the content.

2. Acknowledge Any Potential Bias

Every piece of information carries a perspective, so discern its objectivity before using it as a source.

• Objective vs. subjective: While no source is entirely free from bias, it’s vital to distinguish between objective research and opinion pieces. The former is based on empirical evidence, while the latter reflects personal viewpoints.
• Funding sources: Research funded by organizations with vested interests might be skewed. Always check the acknowledgments or disclosure section.
• Affiliations: Authors affiliated with certain groups might have inherent biases. It doesn’t invalidate their work, but it’s an important consideration when determining whether to base your own research on their points.

3. Identify Claims Made Without Proper Data

Valid academic claims are rooted in evidence, and it is essential to scrutinize the data backing them.

• Evidence-based claims: In academic research, claims should be backed by facts. If a source makes broad assertions without evidence, approach it with caution.
• Transparent methodology: A credible source will detail its methodology, allowing peer review, process replication, or bias acknowledgment.
• Unsupported statements: Be wary of sweeping claims that don’t reference other studies. Even original research should cite background information, supporting sources, and related work.

4. Check the Purpose of the Information

Understanding the intent behind a source helps in assessing its relevance and potential bias.

• Informative vs. persuasive: Is the source aiming to inform based on evidence, or is it trying to persuade? Both can be valid, but it’s essential to know the difference and decide if the information is usable on a case-by-case basis.
• Primary vs. secondary sources: Primary sources offer direct evidence or firsthand testimony. Secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources. While both can be credible, you should still understand and distinguish between them — especially as either type can be a biased source.
• Audience and conflicts: Consider the intended audience because this can shape the type of information being shared. A paper written for industry professionals may have a different tone and depth than one written for general readers.

5. Check Publication Dates

The age of a source can influence its relevance and applicability to current research in several key ways.

• Relevance and recency: In quickly evolving fields, recent publications and news sources are crucial, as they reflect the latest findings and consensus. Older sources can still offer foundational knowledge or a historical perspective; just be aware of the dates associated with all relevant information.
• Historical context: It’s crucial to understand how context shapes both new and older sources. Is the information still evolving, or is it based on long-accepted facts? What research did the author have access to at the time?
• Topic evolution: Comparing multiple sources from different dates can provide unique insight. Tracking the progression of thought on a subject can provide depth to your research, showing how current perspectives were shaped.

6. Assess the Source's Reputation

A source's standing in the academic community can be a strong indicator of its reliability.

• Citations: Sources frequently cited in other works, especially in academic databases, are often more likely to be credible.
• Retractions/corrections: Check if the source has any associated retractions or corrections. This might indicate issues with the content, but it may also indicate a dedication to sharing accurate information.

7. Verify Citations and References

Reliable academic work builds upon previous research, making citations a key component of credibility.

• Backed claims: Ensure that the source's claims are supported by credible references. These should be easy to find, easy to access, and not outdated.
• Authenticity of citations: Check the original publication cited to ensure all information has been represented accurately. You should never rely on a source’s representation of facts but rather check them against the originating source.
• Self-citation: While authors will sometimes cite their previous work, excessive self-citation can be a red flag.

Additional Tips for Research, Sourcing, and Citing

• Consult experts: If you’re unsure about a source, reach out to experts or professors in the field. Their experience can provide insights into the source's reliability.
• Check for comprehensive coverage: Reliable sources often cover topics in depth, addressing multiple facets of an issue rather than presenting a one-sided view.
• Examine the writing style: Credible sources typically maintain a professional tone, avoiding sensationalism or overly emotional language. Spelling and grammar errors are a red flag.
• Look for transparency: Trustworthy sources are transparent about their research methods, data collection, and any potential conflicts of interest.
• Check the domain: Citing sources with a “.edu” or “.gov” domain may be more relevant for an academic paper.
• Filter results: You can also limit your searches to peer-reviewed journals and academic databases at your school’s library or even using Google tricks .
• Use the CRAAP test: A simple way to remember the keys to an authoritative source is CRAAP — Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.
• Simplify citing: Much of the information you use to check a source’s credibility will also be part of your formal sourcing list. Citation apps and extensions help you keep track of this information.

Remember, you’re responsible for avoiding false information and maintaining academic integrity with every word you write — so always stay vigilant in your research.

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Writing a Research Paper

• Evaluate Sources

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• Choose Your Topic
• Organize Your Information
• Draft Your Paper
• Revise, Review, Refine

How Will This Help Me?

Evaluating your sources will help you:

• Determine the credibility of information
• Rule out questionable information
• Check for bias in your sources

In general, websites are hosted in domains that tell you what type of site it is.

• .com = commercial
• .net = network provider
• .org = organization
• .edu = education
• .mil = military
• .gov = U.S. government

Commercial sites want to persuade you to buy something, and organizations may want to persuade you to see an issue from a particular viewpoint. 

Useful information can be found on all kinds of sites, but you must consider carefully whether the source is useful for your purpose and for your audience.

Content Farms

Content farms are websites that exist to host ads. They post about popular web searches to try to drive traffic to their sites. They are rarely good sources for research.

• Web’s “Content Farms” Grow Audiences For Ads This article by Zoe Chace at National Public Radio describes the ways How To sites try to drive more traffic to their sites to see the ads they host.

Fact Checking

Fact checking can help you verify the reliability of a source. The following sites may not have all the answers, but they can help you look into the sources for statements made in U.S. politics.

• FactCheck.org This site monitors the accuracy of statements made in speeches, debates, interviews, and more and links to sources so readers can see the information for themselves. The site is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
• PolitiFact This resource evaluates the accuracy of statements made by elected officials, lobbyists, and special interest groups and provides sources for their evaluations. PolitiFact is currently run by the nonprofit Poynter Institute for Media Studies.

Evaluate Sources With the Big 5 Criteria

The Big 5 Criteria can help you evaluate your sources for credibility:

• Currency: Check the publication date and determine whether it is sufficiently current for your topic.
• Coverage (relevance): Consider whether the source is relevant to your research and whether it covers the topic adequately for your needs.
• Authority: Discover the credentials of the authors of the source and determine their level of expertise and knowledge about the subject.
• Accuracy: Consider whether the source presents accurate information and whether you can verify that information. 
• Objectivity (purpose): Think about the author's purpose in creating the source and consider how that affects its usefulness to your research. 

Evaluate Sources With the CRAAP Test

Another way to evaluate your sources is the CRAAP Test, which means evaluating the following qualities of your sources:

This video (2:17) from Western Libraries explains the CRAAP Test. 

Video transcript

Evaluating Sources ( Western Libraries ) CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

Evaluate Websites

Evaluating websites follows the same process as for other sources, but finding the information you need to make an assessment can be more challenging with websites. The following guidelines can help you decide if a website is a good choice for a source for your paper. 

• Currency . A useful site is updated regularly and lets visitors know when content was published on the site. Can you tell when the site was last updated? Can you see when the content you need was added? Does the site show signs of not being maintained (broken links, out-of-date information, etc.)?
• Relevance . Think about the target audience for the site. Is it appropriate for you or your paper's audience?
• Authority . Look for an About Us link or something similar to learn about the site's creator. The more you know about the credentials and mission of a site's creators, as well as their sources of information, the better idea you will have about the site's quality. 
• Accuracy. Does the site present references or links to the sources of information it presents? Can you locate these sources so that you can read and interpret the information yourself?
• Purpose. Consider the reason why the site was created. Can you detect any bias? Does the site use emotional language? Is the site trying to persuade you about something? 

Identify Political Perspective

News outlets, think tanks, organizations, and individual authors can present information from a particular political perspective. Consider this fact to help determine whether sources are useful for your paper. 

Check a news outlet's website, usually under About Us or Contact Us , for information about their reporters and authors. For example, USA Today has the USA Today Reporter Index , and the LA Times has an Editorial & Newsroom Contacts . Reading a profile or bio for a reporter or looking at other articles by the author may tell you whether that person favors a particular viewpoint. 

If a particular organization is mentioned in an article, learn more about the organization to identify potential biases. Think tanks and other associations usually exist for a reason. Searching news articles about the organization can help you determine their political leaning. 

Bias is not always bad, but you must be aware of it. Knowing the perspective of a source helps contextualize the information presented. 

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Researching and Writing a Paper: Reliability of Sources

• Outline Note-Taking
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• Citation Videos!
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• Videos about Evaluating Sources!
• Unreliable Sources and 'Fake News'
• An Outline for Writing!
• Formatting your paper!

Techniques for Evaluating Resources

No matter how good the database you search in is, or how reliable an information website has been in the past, you need to evaluate the sources you want to use for credibility and bias before you use them*. (You may also want to spot fake news as you browse the Internet or other media - not all fake news is online).

This page discusses eight different tools for evaluating sources (there are so many different tools because evaluating the reliability or quality of information is an important topic, because there are many ways to look at the topic, and every librarian wants to help you succeed). Look through these approaches and use the approaches or combinations of approaches that work for you. The tools are:

5Ws (and an H)

A.S.P.E.C.T.

• Evaluating Research Articles
• Lateral Reading  ("what do other sources say?")

The CRAAP Test

We also have a variety of videos about evaluating sources available for your learning and entertainment: Click Here !

* Note: a biased source - and technically most sources are biased - can be a useful source as long as you understand what the bias or biases are. A source that is trying to be reliable will often identify some or all of its biases. (Every person has a limited perspective on the events they observe or participate in, and most of the time their perceptions are influenced by assumptions they may not be aware of. So, even when you have some really solid reasons to trust a source as 100% reliable and accurate, be alert for 'what is not mentioned' and for what biases there might be [this is particularly tricky when you share those biases, and why reviewing your research/paper/presentation with someone else is always a good idea]).

The 5Ws and an H.

Back to the top of the page

• Who are the authors or creators?
• What are their credentials? Can you find something out about them in another place?
• Who is the publisher or sponsor?
• Are they reputable?
• What is the publisher’s interest (if any) in this information?
• If it's from a website, does it have advertisements?
• Is this fact or opinion?
• Is it biased? Can you still use the information, even if you know there is bias?
• Is the the site trying to sell you something, convert you to something, or make you vote for someone?
• What kind of information is included in the resource?
• Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is balanced?
• Is it provided for a hobbiest, for entertainment, or for a serious audience?
• Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
• How recent is the information?
• Is it current enough for your topic?
• If the information is from a website, when was the site last updated?

Authority Information resources are a product of their creator's expertise and reliability, and are evaluated based on the information need and the context in which the information will be used. Authority is constructed: various communities often recognize different types of authority (knowledge, accuracy). Authority is contextual because you may need additional information to help determine the accuracy or comprehensiveness, and the sort of authority the source contains. (Writing a paper about ' urban myths ' requires different sorts of authority than writing a paper disproving an urban myth.)

Using this concept means you have to identify the different types of authority that might be relevant, and why the author considers themselves reliable, as well as why their community considers them reliable. An author can be a person, journalist, scholar, organization, website, etc. Author is different from authority, authority is the quality that gives an author trustworthiness....and not all authors have the same trustworthiness.

Evaluating research articles

Evaluating research articles: Evaluating evidence-based research articles in scholarly journals requires deep knowledge of the discipline, which you might not acquire until you are deeper into your education. These guiding questions can help you evaluate a research report, even if you are not an expert in the field. Questions include:

• Why was the study undertaken? The aim of the research may be intended to generate income, lobby for policy changes, evaluate the impact of a program, or create a new theory.  These variations in intent influence the research questions, the data collection, the analysis, and how the results are presented. To make best use of the findings for your purposes, you should keep the intent of the study in mind.
• Who conducted the study? It is important to look at who conducted the research, and if the organization or individual in question has the expertise required for conducting research on the topic. Looking to see if the organization is interested in a specific research outcome is also a good practice. The research should be clear about how the different stages of the study were conducted to guarantee its objectivity.
• Who funded the research? It is equally important to look at who sponsored or funded the study because this sometimes affects the objectivity or accuracy of the study. (If, for example, a soap-maker sponsors a study on the efficiency of different soaps, you should be critical of the results, particularly if their brand of soap is the best at cleaning.)
• How was the data collected? In the social sciences, structured interviews and self-completion questionnaires are perhaps the two most common ways of collecting quantitative data. How the people in the study were recruited is essential for determining how representative the results are. (There are two main types of samples, probability and non-probability samples. A probability sample is one in which every individual in the population has the same chance of being included in the study. It is also a prerequisite for being able to generalize the findings to the population. Pretend you survey first-year students by asking student clubs to share the survey on their social media. This non-probability snowball sample is more likely to reach students active in the clubs, therefore the results will not be representative of, or generalizable to, all students.)
• Is the sample size and response rate sufficient? The bigger the sample size the greater the chance that the results are accurate. After a sample size of around 1000, gains in accuracy become less significant. However, limited time and money often make such a large sample not practical. The similarity of the population also affects the desired sample size; a more diverse population requires a larger sample to sufficiently include the different parts of the population. The response rate is a complementary measure to the sample size, showing how many of the suitable individuals in the sample have provided a usable response. (In web surveys, response rates tend to be lower than in other types of surveys, and are therefore less accurate.)
• Does the research make use of secondary data? Data can be collected for the purposes of the study or existing data gathered for a different study can be used. If existing data sets collected for another study are used, reflecting on how usable that data is for the newer study is important.
• Does the research measure what it claims to measure? A commonly used word in statistics to describe the trustworthiness of research is ‘validity’. Validity refers to the extent to which an assumption or measurement is consistent with reality. Does it measure what it intends to measure? For example, a study investigates gender discrimination of faculty and looks at the number of cases of discrimination presented by female faculty. But, if the study does not look at the reason for these discrimination complaints (gender, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, etc.) it cannot be assumed that gender discrimination either increased or decreased.
• Can the findings be generalized to my situation? There is often a tendency to generalize research findings. Two key standards have to be met to do this. First, results apply only to the population of the study. Second, data must be collected via a probability sample, i.e. everyone eligible to be in the study has the same chance of being included in the study. Too often papers do not discuss many of the aspects of the data collection and analysis. Transparently and clearly describing how the research was conducted is essential for the reader to understand the trustworthiness of the research paper in their hands.

Lateral Reading

The Internet has democratized access to information, but the Internet has also been filled with a flood of misinformation, fake news, propaganda, and idiocy, presented as objective analysis. Since any single source is suspect, fact checkers read laterally.  They leave a site in its tab after a quick look around and open up new browser tabs in order to judge the credibility of the original site.

Lateral reading is the process of verifying what you are reading while you are reading it. It allows you to read deeply and broadly while gaining a fuller understanding of an issue or topic and determining whether, or how much, to trust the content as presented.

Vertical reading occurs when the reader simply reads the article or site without going further, assuming that if it ‘looks reliable’ it is reliable. The reader may use some superficial evaluation strategies to determine if the site is credible, such as reading the ‘about’ page, looking at its URL extension (.edu, .org, .com, .gov, etc.), or assessing its advertising. A good start, but there is much more to look at:

• Determine the author's reliability, intents, and biases, by searching for articles by other writers on the same topic (and also looking for other articles by that same author).
• Understand the perspective of the site's analyses. (What are they assuming, what do they want you to assume?)
• Determine whether the site has an editorial process or expert reputation supporting the reliability and accuracy of its content.

Use the strategies and ask the questions that professional fact-checkers use:

• Go beyond the "about" page of the site you are reading.
• Search for articles by other writers on the same topic.
• Search for articles about the site/publication you are reading (and/or articles about the authors featured on the site).

Ask the following:

• Who funds or sponsors the site where the original piece was published? (And who funds/sponsors the site you found the article at?) 
• What do other authoritative sources have to say about that site and that topic?
• When you do a search on the topic of the original piece, are the initial results from fact-checking organizations? (If so, what do they say?)
• Have questions been raised about other articles the author has written or that have appeared on that site?
• Does what you are finding elsewhere contradict the original piece? (If there are contradictions, what is the reliability of those contradicting sites?)

Are reliable news outlets reporting on (or perhaps more important, not reporting on) what you are reading? (Does why reliable news outlets are or are-not reporting on the topic increase or decrease the reliability of the site you are assessing?)

Sometimes the 'good answer' to the above questions is a 'yes', sometimes a 'no', and sometimes 'it's complicated'. Reliable and unreliable sources are everywhere in the information we have access to - some sources are rarely reliable, but even the most 'consistently reliable sources' are sometimes unreliable (everyone has blind spots and biases, and everyone is able to make mistakes). There are no consistent rules for which questions must be answered which way. However, if you ask these questions and find out what the answers seem to be you will have a better understanding of how reliable or unreliable a particular source is.

S.I.F.T. Method

SIFT (The Four Moves)

Use the SIFT method to separate fact from fake when reading websites and other media.

• What is its reputation?
• For deeper research, verify the information.
• Know what you're reading.
• Where is it from? Biases, point of view?
• Understand the context of the information.
• Find the best source on the subject.
• Trace claims, quotes or media back to its original context.
• Was the source you read/viewed an accurate depiction of the original?

More Information about the SIFT method , and a free 3-hour online course (five easy lessons) that will seriously improve your information evaluation skills!

!!! Do you have questions, confusions, or opinons about anything on this page, in this LibGuide, or anything else?      We are happy to Listen to and Answer Your Questions, Concerns, and more ! !!!

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > The Ultimate Student Guide To Finding Credible Sources

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

The Ultimate Student Guide To Finding Credible Sources

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: January 1, 2020

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.

Photo by  Wallace Chuck  from  Pexels

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.

Photo by  Canva Studio  from  Pexels

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.

Photo by  bruce mars  from  Pexels

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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At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

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How can I find credible sources?

Sources that are up-to-date

Research papers, books, and articles that are written by well-respected authors, sources that you find at your university's library, sources from online scholarly databases, government websites, sources from newspapers, sources from social networks, blogs, and sites like youtube or vimeo, frequently asked questions about credible sources, related articles.

When writing a research paper, it is crucial to use and cite only credible sources . But what makes a source credible? And how and where can you find credible sources? Below are 7 suggestions on how to search and find credible sources:

Make sure that the sources you use are not too old or out of date. There might be a more recent paper with new and better insights on your topic than the one from 10 years ago.

If an author has a good reputation and is well-known in their field, it is highly likely that the source can be trusted.

In general, sources that you find at your university's library are credible, be it books, scholarly journals, articles, music recordings or DVD's. But be aware that your university's library can also have popular media, which may not be a credible source of information.

Online library databases are probably one of the best sources of articles from scholarly journals to which you will have access. Your library will most likely be subscribed to multiple online databases and provide information on how to access them. Credible online scholarly databases are also:

• Web of Science

Websites that end with .gov, .edu, .ac, are generally considered credible sources. Examples of reliable websites are:

• Science.gov
• The National Bureau of Economic Research
• UK Office for National Statistics
• US Census Bureau

More caution is required when considering using news articles, as the reliability of news sources available online varies significantly. Good sources that can generally be trusted are, for example:

• The Economist
• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal

With sources like social networks, blogs , etc., it really depends. They may or may not be highly biased, insufficiently researched, and not well written. These sources should be checked thoroughly before being used in an academic paper.

A credible source is usually written by authors with a good reputation, it is up-to-date, and can be accessed through your university's library.

A credible source is defined as an unbiased and supported academic reference, written by well-known researchers.

Some examples of credible sources are research articles from any of the following journals:

Yes! Academic writing requires you to use credible sources only.

The benefit of using credible sources is having a legitimate academic paper, based on real references supporting your arguments, which will ultimately translate into academic prestige.

Is My Source Credible?

Ai literacy, more information on ai, web domains in scholarly research, truth in the news, oers (open educational resources), predatory journals.

The definition of a credible source can change depending on the discipline, but in general, for academic writing, a credible source is one that is unbiased and is backed up with evidence. When writing a research paper, always use and cite credible sources. Use this checklist to determine if an article is credible or not:

• Is the source in-depth  (more than a page or two), with an abstract, a reference list, and documented research or data?
• Who is the audience  (researchers, professors, students, general population, professionals in a specific field)?
• What is the purpose of the source  (provide information or report original research or experiments, to entertain or persuade the general public, or provide news or information specific to a trade or industry)?
• Who are the authors?  Are they respected and well-known in the field? Are they easily identifiable? Have they written about other similar topics? What are their credentials?
• Is the source reputable?  Is it published on a reputable, non-biased website, or in a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal, and not from a newspaper, blog, or wiki?
• Is the source current for your topic?
• Is there supporting documentation  (graphs, charts, illustrations or other supporting documentation)?

Below are guidelines and tips for becoming "AI literate" --that is, gaining skills that enable you to use AI effectively, ethically, safely, and in a way that supports your learning.

In general, if you do use AI for any of your UMGC classwork, please keep these important considerations in mind: 

Be open and honest about your use of AI  

If you use an AI tool like ChatGPT for classroom work, acknowledge it, so that your professor knows. 

For example, if you use ChatGPT to draft a classroom discussion post for you, add a statement like this to the post, so you’re completely transparent about having used AI: “I used ChatGPT to write a first draft of this post. I critically evaluated the accuracy of ChatGPT’s draft, verifying facts and ideas, then I largely rewrote the AI draft in my own words and phrases.” 

If needed, you can even cite an AI tool like ChatGPT in your reference list for a writing assignment. Here are guidelines: APA ,  MLA ,  Chicago .

Verify AI content 

AI tools like ChatGPT are imperfect. They are known to create content that simply isn’t true. 

If you use AI to generate a piece of writing for you, you have to critically evaluate everything that it wrote. Use a search engine like Google to check any facts or ideas generated by AI. 

The one thing you can never do is simply put a prompt into ChatGPT for a classroom assignment, then copy and paste the AI-created content and submit it to your professor as is. That is the opposite of the kind of engaged, active learning that helps students grow intellectually. When AI does the work for you, you miss out on the learning, which can have repercussions for your future classes and career.

If you use AI, think of it as an assistant who’s efficient but not a real expert on the subject matter. You have to carefully check what AI wrote before using it as a starting point for your work. 

Add your own research and ideas

Even if you acknowledge that you used ChatGPT and checked the content's truthfulness, you cannot (as stated above) simply turn in the ChatGPT content as your entire assignment. Use ChatGPT as a basis for classwork--for example, ask ChatGPT for good research topics, or have it help you create an outline for a paper--but do not use ChatGPT for an assignment without adding your own research and ideas.

ChatGPT can help you, but the essential, meaningful core of any paper or other assignment is your work and your thought, not whatever fundamental elements you prompted ChatGPT for.

Don’t overshare with AI  

ChatGPT and other AI tools are like any other website where you type in information. Be careful to keep your personal information safe. Use a secure computer network when interacting with AI so that hackers cannot intercept information. And never type in sensitive, personal information when you query AI. For example, if you use ChatGPT to research Social Security, don’t type in your own SSN!  

Acknowledgment   

The UMGC library used ChatGPT to help write this section on AI Literacy! We typed in the prompt, "Write 2-3 paragraphs on how college students can ethically and safely use ChatGPT for research and writing.” ChatGPT responded with a brief essay that pointed out the three salient guidelines above: be open and honest, verify, don’t overshare. The library checked the accuracy of what ChatGPT wrote, and then we rewrote it extensively in our own words and phrases. We also included additional ideas, facts, and examples. 

For more information, see our comprehensive guide on  Artificial Intelligence .

Where does your source come from?

• government or military (.gov or .mil)  - Government or military websites end in .gov or .mil, and in general are reliable sources on the web. However, beware of political sites used to sway public opinion.
• university (.edu)  - University websites end in .edu, and are usually reliable. Use these sites with caution, checking for credibility and authority.
• company website (.com)  - Company websites generally end in .com. These sites are great for information about a particular company. However be aware that company websites are used to promote, so be sure the information is non-biased.
• special interest (.org)  - While many professional organizations end in .org, there are also many .orgs that are biased and promote a specific agenda.

Video Tutorial Evaluating Websites  (5:16)

The Center for News Literacy  makes the case for being smart consumers of online news. "The most profound communications revolution since the invention of Gutenberg’s printing press seems to make it harder, not easier, to determine the truth. The digital revolution is characterized by a flood of information and misinformation that news consumers can access from anywhere at any time... This superabundance of information has made it imperative that citizens learn to judge the reliability of news reports and other sources of information that is passed along their social networks."

Check the facts

There are many fact-checking websites available online. Before using one of these websites, remember, a good fact checking service will use neutral wording and will provide unbiased, authoritative sources to support their claims. Look for the criteria below when searching for the facts.

Evaluate sources

• Does the website have an "About Us" section? Does it disclose a source of funding? Knowing this information enables you to judge the website's purpose and viewpoint.
• Is information cited so that you can track down the source and verify it?
• What evidence is used to prove the author's point? Is the evidence reliable, and is it used logically?
• For more tips , see the sections above.
• Websites that contain the suffix "lo" (e.g., Newslo) or that end in ".com.co". These often present false information for satirical or other purposes.
• Websites that urge you to  dox  an individual or organization
• Websites that have amateurish design, use ALL CAPS, and try to play on your emotions Those are often signs that information is not trustworthy and that you should research it further via other sources
• Memes making the rounds on Facebook or other social media sites Try googling the topic of a meme or other doubtful story: if it is a legitimate news story, you'll probably find it covered by an established source like a major newspaper or TV news channel
• Clickbait Sensationalist headlines and odd photos whose purpose is not to publish legitimate news but to increase traffic at a website

Burst your filter bubble

Web browsers and social media sites employ algorithms that feed you information you've shown a preference for. This so called "filter bubble" connects us to news that tends to reinforce our set views, rather than challenging us with new ideas. When conducting research for class or simply making up your mind on an issue, try these strategies:

• Seek credible information from both sides of an issue : conservative and liberal; religious and atheist; industrialized and developing nations; etc.
• UMGC Library OneSearch
• Talk to people who hold views different from yours.  That solution is offered by Eli Pariser, who  wrote a book  and  did a Ted talk  on filter bubbles.

(Thanks to the following excellent guides on which we've drawn for part of the above content:  Bristol Community College  and  Stark State Digital Library .)

Open educational resources (OERs) are materials that are licensed for free use, with the purpose of teaching or learning. Use this checklist to find credible and useful OER's:

• Does the resource have a CC (Creative Commons) license where the resource can be reused or shared?
• Who is the author and what are his or her credentials? Have they written other content on this topic? Are they a professor or expert in the subject they are writing about?
• Is the content non-biased?

Because of the economics of higher education--professors needing to publish their research in order to gain tenure at a university--so-called "predatory" journals exist. These journals may not uphold the rigorous standards (such as peer review) of other academic/scholarly journals. Predatory journals also charge authors a sizeable fee for publishing their work.

The database companies that the UMGC Library works with are aware of the existence of predatory journals. The database companies do their best to exclude predatory journals from the results you see when you do a library search!

So for students doing research, you don't really have to worry about whether a source you found in the library is from a predatory journal--chances are, it's not! But of course it's always good to check the credibility of any source--for example, for a scholarly article, check the author's "affiliation" to make sure that they work at a university or other research center.

If you've written an article for publication and want to send it out to journals, then you should be aware of the existence of predatory publishers. Please see  these tips, from Erasmus University Library, on identifying predatory journals .

• Last Updated: May 30, 2024 5:11 PM
• URL: https://libguides.umgc.edu/credibility

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FAQ: How do I know if my sources are credible/reliable?

UW Libraries has a whole guide, Savvy Info Consumers: Evaluating Information , which discusses different types of sources and how to approach evaluating their credibility/reliability.

What it means for a source to be credible/reliable can vary depending on the context of its use. Generally, a credible or reliable source is one that experts in your subject domain would agree is valid for your purposes. This can vary, so it is best to use one of the source evaluation methods that best fits your needs. Do remember that credibility is contextual!

It is important to critically evaluate sources because using credible/reliable sources makes you a more informed writer. Think about unreliable sources as pollutants to your credibility, if you include unreliable sources in your work, your work could lose credibility as a result.

There are certain frameworks that information professionals have put together to help people think critically about the information provided. 

Some of the methods that UW Libraries suggest are: 

5 W Questions (5Ws) : This method means thinking critically about each of your sources by answering five questions to determine if the source is credible/reliable. The acceptable answers to these questions will vary depending on your needs. The questions are:

• Who is the author? (Authority)
• What is the purpose of the content? (Accuracy)
• Where is the content from? (Publisher)
• Why does the source exist? (Purpose and Objectivity)
• How does this source compare to others? (Determining What’s What)

SMART Check : This method is particularly good at evaluating newspaper sources. Like the 5Ws method it also involves answering critical questions about your source. The criteria are:

• Source: Who or what is the source?
• Motive: Why do they say what they do?
• Authority: Who wrote the story?
• Review: Is there anything included that jumps out as potentially untrue?
• Two-Source Test: How does it compare to another source?

CRAAP Test : This method provides you with a set of criteria that make a source more or less credible. The criteria are:

• Currency: Timeliness of the information
• Relevance: Importance of the information for your needs
• Authority: Source of the information
• Accuracy: Truthfulness and correctness of the information
• Purpose: Reason the information exists

Additional Help

If you would like personalized support from UW Libraries on source evaluation you can

• Make an appointment with a librarian at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center
• Ask Us! Chat with a librarian live or email your question
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What are Credible Sources – Tips to Identify Them With Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at October 12th, 2023 , Revised On October 12, 2023

In today’s information age, distinguishing between credible and unreliable sources is paramount. Whether you’re a student working on a research paper, a journalist crafting a news article, or simply a curious individual seeking reliable information, identifying credible sources is a critical skill.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what credible sources are? What makes a source credible, the types of credible sources available, where to find them, and how to evaluate web sources? Additionally, we will discuss concepts such as peer review, academic dishonesty, and differentiating between primary and secondary sources.

What is a Credible Source?

A credible source can be trusted to provide accurate, reliable, and unbiased information. Credible sources are essential for various purposes, including academic research , journalism, decision-making, and gaining knowledge on various topics . Credibility hinges on factors such as the source’s reputation, expertise, transparency, and the rigour of its research methods.

What Makes a Source Credible?

To determine the credibility of a source, consider the following criteria:

Author’s Qualifications 

Check the author’s credentials and expertise in the field. Are they qualified to speak on the subject?

Publication Source 

Examine where the information is published. Reputable sources include peer-reviewed journals, established news outlets, government websites, and academic institutions.

Citations and References 

A credible source will provide citations and references to support its claims, allowing you to verify the information independently.

Objectivity and Bias 

Evaluate whether the source exhibits bias or maintains objectivity. Credible sources strive to present balanced viewpoints.

Accuracy and Timeliness 

Ensure that the information is up-to-date and accurate. Outdated or inaccurate information can lead to misinformed decisions.

Now that we understand the characteristics of credible sources let’s explore the different types of sources that meet these criteria.

Types of Credible Sources

Credible sources come in various forms, each serving a unique research and information-gathering purpose. Here are some common types:

Academic Journals 

These are scholarly publications that undergo rigorous peer review. They are excellent sources for academic research .

Authored books, especially those published by reputable publishers, provide in-depth knowledge on specific subjects.

Government Publications 

Government websites and reports offer official information and statistics, often highly reliable.

News Outlets 

Established and respected news organisations are valuable current events and general knowledge sources.

Educational Institutions 

Websites of universities and educational institutions often host credible research papers, articles, and resources.

Experts and Interviews 

Interviews with subject experts or specialists can be credible sources if the interviewee has expertise in the field.

Now that we know where to find credible sources let’s explore strategies for locating them effectively.

Where to Find Credible Sources

Finding credible sources can be daunting, especially with the vast amount of online information. Here are some strategies to help you locate them:

Library Databases 

University and public libraries provide access to a wealth of academic databases and journals.

Online Libraries 

Websites like Google Scholar , JSTOR , and Project MUSE index a vast array of scholarly articles.

Government Websites 

Government agencies often publish reports, statistics, and official information online.

Explore the websites of universities and colleges for academic resources and research papers .

Reputable News Outlets 

Trustworthy news sources like BBC, The New York Times, and Reuters offer reliable information on current events.

Reference Books 

Encyclopedias and reference books provide foundational knowledge on various topics.

With these strategies in mind, you can navigate the information landscape more effectively. However, evaluating their credibility is crucial even when you find potential sources.

Evaluating Web Sources

The internet is a treasure trove of information but is also rife with misinformation and unreliable sources. When evaluating web sources, consider the following tips:

Check the Domain

Examine the website’s domain. Government, educational, and non-profit organisations typically have more reliable information.

Authorship 

Look for information about the author or organisation responsible for the content. Lack of authorship or transparency is a red flag.

Publication Date 

Ensure that the information is current. Some topics require the latest data and research.

Cross-Check Information 

Verify facts and claims by comparing information from multiple credible sources.

Bias and Objectivity 

Assess whether the source displays bias or maintains objectivity. Be cautious of sensationalism and extreme viewpoints.

Determine if the source provides citations and references to support its claims.

Site Design 

While not foolproof, professional and well-maintained websites often indicate credibility.

Applying these principles allows you to sift through web sources more effectively and identify the reliable ones.

The research done by our experts have:

• Precision and Clarity
• Zero Plagiarism
• Authentic Sources

Examples of Credible Vs. Non-Credible Sources

Let’s put the knowledge gained into practice by examining examples of credible and non-credible sources on a specific topic:

Topic: Climate Change

Credible Source

• An article on climate change was published in the peer-reviewed journal “Environmental Science & Technology.”
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is available on its official website.
• A book on climate science authored by a climatologist and published by a reputable academic press.

Non-Credible Source

• A blog post on a personal website claiming that climate change is a hoax.
• A social media post with no sources or citations that argues against the consensus on climate change.
• An article on a news aggregation website with no byline or references to credible scientific studies. 

Ensuring Credibility and Integrity in Academia: Peer Review and Academic Honesty

The importance of peer review, definition of peer review.

Peer review is a crucial process in academic publishing. It involves experts in a particular field critically evaluating research articles before they are published in academic journals. 

Here’s how peer review works:

Submission 

An author submits their research article to a peer-reviewed journal.

Expert Evaluation 

The journal’s editor sends the article to experts (peers) in the same field for review.

Feedback and Revision 

Peers assess the article’s quality, methodology, and validity. They may suggest revisions or reject the article if it doesn’t meet scholarly standards.

Publication 

If accepted, the article is published, indicating that it has passed the scrutiny of experts in the field.

Peer review ensures that published research is of high quality and credibility. When conducting academic research, prioritise peer-reviewed sources to bolster the reliability of your work.

Academic Dishonesty: What You Should Know

Academic dishonesty refers to unethical behaviour in academia , which includes plagiarism, cheating, and the fabrication of data. It undermines the credibility of the individuals involved and the institutions they represent. To maintain your credibility and uphold academic integrity, familiarise yourself with your institution’s academic honesty policies and always attribute sources properly in your work.

Differentiating Primary and Secondary Sources

In research, it’s essential to differentiate between primary and secondary sources :

Primary Sources

These are original, first-hand documents or materials created during the event or research. Examples include diaries, letters, photographs, and scientific studies.

Secondary Sources 

Secondary sources provide analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources. Examples include books, reviews, and articles that discuss or summarise research.

Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary sources helps you assess the depth and perspective of the information you encounter during your research.

Subsequently, in today’s information-driven society, finding reputable sources is a vital aptitude. You may confidently navigate the information sea by understanding what makes a source reputable, knowing where to find it, and refining your evaluation abilities.

Recognising the value of peer review, avoiding academic dishonesty, and distinguishing between primary and secondary sources all help you get accurate information and contribute to the body of knowledge. So, use the above tips and approaches to become a more discerning consumer and provider of credible data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are credible sources, and why are they important.

Credible sources are trustworthy and reliable providers of information. They are important because they ensure the accuracy of your research and help you make informed decisions.

How can I determine if a source is credible?

You can assess source credibility by checking the author’s qualifications, the publication outlet, citations and references, objectivity, accuracy, and publication date.

Where can I find credible sources for academic research?

Reliable academic sources are often found in academic journals, books, government publications, university websites, and libraries.

What is peer review, and why is it crucial for credibility?

Peer review is a process where experts evaluate research before publication. It’s critical because it ensures high-quality and verified information.

How do I avoid academic dishonesty when citing sources?

Avoid academic dishonesty by properly citing sources using citation styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago, and always giving credit to the original authors to maintain integrity in your work.

You May Also Like

A tertiary source is an information source that compiles, analyses, and synthesises both primary and secondary sources.

When researching or exploring a new topic, the distinction between primary and secondary sources is paramount. The validity, reliability, and relevance of the information you gather will heavily depend on the type of source you consult. 

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10 Best Online Academic Research Tools and Resources

Every college student conducts research at some point. And professors have strong views on what counts as a credible academic resource. Choosing the wrong sources can hurt your grade.

So how can you conduct research efficiently while avoiding sleepless nights in the campus library? Online academic research tools make it easier to find reliable sources quickly.

Rather than pulling random facts from the internet — and running into problems with citations — college students need to know how to find credible sources and how to use online academic tools. Keep reading to learn how you can find the best credible sources for your college research needs.

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The 10 Best Academic Research Sources

What resources will point you toward reliable sources for your academic research? Rather than scrolling through pages of search results, turn to these academic resources when you need to find sources.

1. Google Scholar

Looking for an academic article, thesis , or abstract? Google Scholar should be your first stop. Google Scholar helps you find related works, locate full documents at your school library , and access scholarly research.

While Google created Google Scholar, it’s very different from a general online search. Google Scholar brings together academic articles and ranks them based on the authors, publication location, and citation record. That means the top results generally represent the most reliable scholarship on your topic.

For journal articles, books, images, and even primary sources, JSTOR ranks among the best online resources for academic research. JSTOR’s collection spans 75 disciplines, with strengths in the humanities and social sciences . The academic research database includes complete runs of over 2,800 journals.

And if you’re looking for images, turn to Artstor , which offers over 2.5 million images related to the arts, sciences, and literature. However, JSTOR is not an open-access database. That means you’ll need to log in through your university library, which typically includes off-campus access .

3. Library of Congress

As the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress is an amazing online resource for academic research. Students can search its collections to access digital resources, videos, audio recordings, photographs, and maps.

The library’s materials also include notated music, web archives, legislation, and 3D objects. You’ll find materials for almost any topic in its extensive collections. You can search historic American newspapers from 1777-1963 with the Chronicling America tool or look up pirate trials in another digital collection.

4. PubMed Central

The National Library of Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, runs PubMed Central. Founded in 2000, the database includes academic scholarship dating back to the 18th century. The resource connects college students with life sciences and biomedical academic sources.

And as an open-access database, PubMed Central offers free access to scholarly literature. Today, PubMed Central has over 7 million full-text records, making it a great resource for students in the life sciences or medical fields.

5. Google Books

Whether you’re looking for a recent publication or an out-of-print book, there’s a good chance you’ll find it on Google Books. In 2019, Google announced that Google Books contains over 40 million books .

You can enter any search term to find books that contain matches. And you can download the full text of any book in the public domain — which includes 10 million titles. Make sure to check publisher and author information when using Google Books.

The site also includes reference pages that link to book reviews. Keep in mind that you’ll have more limited access to recent books. Still, Google Books is a great first step to find sources that you can later look for at your campus library.

6. Science.gov

If you’re looking for scientific research, Science.gov is a great option. The site provides full-text documents, scientific data, and other resources from federally funded research.

A U.S. government site, Science.gov searches more than 60 databases and 2,200 scientific websites. You’ll find over 200 million pages of research and development information, including projects funded by 14 federal agencies. Students in any STEM field can benefit from the resource.

7. Digital Commons Network

University librarians curate the Digital Commons Network, which connects students with peer-reviewed articles. The site’s other resources include dissertations, book chapters, conference proceedings, and working papers.

The Digital Commons Network includes scholarly work from diverse disciplines like architecture, business, education, law, and the sciences. You can also access humanities, social sciences, and engineering scholarship through the network.

8. ResearchGate

ResearchGate has been described as social networking for research scientists. But ResearchGate is also a great option to find open-access academic sources. Scholars upload their work to ResearchGate, which makes it available to the public for free.

Currently, over 20 million researchers around the world use the site, which contains over 135 million publications. College students looking for scientific research can often find resources on ResearchGate and even connect with scholars.

9. WorldCat

When you’re looking for library resources, WorldCat is one of the best tools. Connected to over 10,000 libraries, WorldCat is a database that allows you to search library collections.

The database lists books and articles available at your local libraries, making it easier to find materials that are not available online. In addition to books, WorldCat contains music, videos, audiobooks, and scholarly articles.

You can also find digital research materials, including photos. When you’re logged into WorldCat through your university library, you can also access full-text articles and other resources. Or you can use WorldCat to find sources to request through interlibrary loan.

10. Your University Library

When you’re conducting academic research, your university library can be one of your best resources. In addition to online databases, journal articles, and books, your campus library also has academic librarians who can point you to the best sources.

When you don’t know where to start, reach out to an academic librarian to learn more about your school’s research tools. Or use interlibrary loan to get a scanned copy of an article. Many of the campus library’s resources are available online, making them easy to access.

How to Find Credible Sources for Research

How can you find credible sources for research and avoid misinformation? Your instructor likely recommends avoiding general web content or Wikipedia.

Finding the most reliable websites for research starts with evaluating the website itself. Sites run by academic or government organizations rank high in reliability. Databases and specialized search engines can also provide good research sources.

Next, make sure you understand the source of the information and the process used to publish it. Scholarly articles and books that undergo peer review make for the best academic resources.

Finally, when in doubt, check with your instructor or an academic librarian. They can help point you to reliable sources or double-check sources you’re unsure about.

How to Access Academic Resources

Many sites offer open-access resources. That means anyone can access the materials. Other sites restrict what you can read. For example, you might find some blank pages when searching on Google Books because of copyright restrictions. And many academic articles are behind paywalls.

Fortunately, college students benefit from one of the best resources for conducting research: the university library. Your library likely subscribes to multiple academic databases and journals. If you run into a paywall, check whether your library offers access to the resource.

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Types of Sources

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This section lists the types of sources most frequently used in academic research and describes the sort of information that each commonly offers.

Print Sources

Books and Textbooks:  Odds are that at least one book has been written about virtually any research topic you can imagine (and if not, your research could represent the first steps toward a best-selling publication that addresses the gap!). Because of the time it takes to publish a book, books usually contain more dated information than will be found in journals and newspapers. However, because they are usually much longer, they can often cover topics in greater depth than more up-to-date sources.

Newspapers:  Newspapers contain very up-to-date information by covering the latest events and trends. Newspapers publish both factual information and opinion-based articles. However, due to journalistic standards of objectivity, news reporting will not always take a “big picture” approach or contain information about larger trends, instead opting to focus mainly on the facts relevant to the specifics of the story. This is exacerbated by the rapid publication cycles most newspapers undergo: new editions must come out frequently, so long, in-depth investigations tend to be rarer than simple fact-reporting pieces.

Academic and Trade Journals:  Academic and trade journals contain the most up-to-date information and research in industry, business, and academia. Journal articles come in several forms, including literature reviews that overview current and past research, articles on theories and history, and articles on specific processes or research. While a well-regarded journal represents the cutting-edge knowledge of experts in a particular field, journal articles can often be difficult for non-experts to read, as they tend to incorporate lots of technical jargon and are not written to be engaging or entertaining.

Government Reports and Legal Documents:  The government regularly releases information intended for internal and/or public use. These types of documents can be excellent sources of information due to their regularity, dependability, and thoroughness. An example of a government report would be any of the reports the U.S. Census Bureau publishes from census data. Note that most government reports and legal documents can now be accessed online.

Press Releases and Advertising:  Companies and special interest groups produce texts to help persuade readers to act in some way or inform the public about some new development. While the information they provide can be accurate, approach them with caution, as these texts' publishers may have vested interests in highlighting particular facts or viewpoints.

Flyers, Pamphlets, Leaflets:  While some flyers or pamphlets are created by reputable sources, because of the ease with which they can be created, many less-than-reputable sources also produce these. Pamphlets and leaflets can be useful for quick reference or very general information, but beware of pamphlets that spread propaganda or misleading information.

Digital and Electronic Sources

Multimedia:  Printed material is certainly not the only option for finding research. You might also consider using sources such as radio and television broadcasts, interactive talks, and recorded public meetings. Though we often go online to find this sort of information today, libraries and archives offer a wealth of nondigitized media or media that is not available online. 

Websites:  Most of the information on the Internet is distributed via websites. Websites vary widely in terms of the quality of information they offer. For more information, visit the OWL's page on evaluating digital sources.

Blogs and personal websites:  Blogs and personal sites vary widely in their validity as sources for serious research. For example, many prestigious journalists and public figures may have blogs, which may be more credible than most amateur or personal blogs. Note, however, that there are very few standards for impartiality or accuracy when it comes to what can be published on personal sites.

Social media pages and message boards:  These types of sources exist for all kinds of disciplines, both in and outside of the university. Some may be useful, depending on the topic you are studying, but, just like personal websites, the information found on social media or message boards is not always credible.

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Research Project Guide

How To Find Academic Sources In 4 Simple Ways

Discover how to find academic sources easily with our 4 simple methods. Boost your research skills today!

Oct 22, 2024

Research often starts with a flurry of questions. How do you find credible sources? Where do you even begin? If these questions resonate with you, you're not alone. Figuring out how to find academic sources can feel daunting, especially when trying to avoid falling down internet rabbit holes. That’s where this guide comes in on how to start a research project and find sources. We’ll provide you with innovative strategies to find reliable academic sources fast so you can focus on writing efficiently and meeting your deadlines. Enter Otio, your AI research and writing partner. This tool can help you quickly find the needed sources, saving you valuable time and energy as you start your research project.

Table Of Contents

What are academic sources, 12 best websites for reliable academic articles, how to identify reliable academic sources easily, supercharge your researching ability with otio — try otio for free today.

An academic source is a gem in the world of research. It’s research-based, crafted by someone with severe academic chops, and published by a journal, university, or other reputable publisher. This kind of source usually goes through a peer-review process, meaning experts in the field evaluate it. But be careful—if you find an academic’s work published on an independent website, like a personal blog, it’s likely an opinion piece, not a scholarly source. It hasn't been peer-reviewed, so approach it with caution.

Is the Author Really an Academic?

Want to know if an author is legit? A quick Google search can reveal a lot. If you see titles like “Dr.,” “Associate Professor,” or “Professor” next to their name, you’re in good hands. This indicates they're academic. If a respected journal or university publishes their work, you’re looking at a scholarly source. The first few search results can also show if they’ve been employed by a university, which adds to their credibility.

Is Your Source Peer-Reviewed?

While not all academic sources are peer-reviewed, those have an extra layer of quality. Peer-reviewed sources are highly regarded because experts scrutinize them before publication. This process is standard in high-quality journals and university publishers, though other reputable publishers often have a peer-review system, too. Aim for peer-reviewed sources to ensure you’re using the best information possible.

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1. Streamlining Academic Research with Otio

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Otio consolidates your workflow into a single, intuitive platform. It lets you gather data from diverse sources, including bookmarks, social media, and videos. You can quickly extract critical insights with AI-generated notes and a source-grounded Q&A chat. Otio helps you draft research papers faster, making it a researcher favorite. Try Otio for free and see how it can transform your workflow.

2. Exploring Research Databases

Searching for scholarly sources online is crucial for any research project. Databases and search engines like Google Scholar offer a range of search functions to help you find relevant sources. If you have a specific article or book in mind, include the title or author’s name in your search. For more general research, use keywords related to your topic.

 Ensure you understand your project's scope and the most relevant keywords. Databases can be interdisciplinary or subject-specific, and using subject-specific databases ensures that the results pertain to your field. General databases often let you filter results by subject or discipline. For example, JSTOR offers a discipline search filter to refine your results.

3. Leveraging Library Resources

Your institution’s library is a treasure trove of print sources, including journal articles, books, encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines. Make sure these sources are appropriate for your research. Use your library’s database to explore its catalog and search-relevant keywords. You can refine your results with Boolean operators. Once you’ve found a relevant source in the library, check the books beside it for related material. This is especially useful when you stumble upon a secondary or tertiary source instead of a primary one. Don’t forget to consult the index and bibliography for more sources.

4. Navigating Other Online Sources

Online sources like websites, crowdsourced encyclopedias, and blogs can be valuable for research, but exercise caution. Use search engines and Boolean operators to refine your search with relevant keywords. Look for trusted domain extensions, such as .edu for educational resources and .gov for government-related information. DOIs often indicate that an article is peer-reviewed. While other sites can be helpful, evaluate them carefully and consider alternatives.

1. Otio: Your AI Research Partner

Otio tackles the chaos of content overload with a single AI-native workspace . It’s designed to help researchers collect varied data sources, extract critical takeaways, and create draft outputs efficiently. Otio is perfect for those who want to streamline their research and writing processes. It offers AI-generated notes, interactive chats with links, and AI-assisted writing. It’s a game-changer for researchers looking to quickly go from reading lists to first drafts. Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today !

2. Semantic Scholar: Smart Academic Search

Semantic Scholar uses AI to help researchers in STEM fields quickly find key insights from academic papers. It’s ideal for those conducting literature reviews who want to save time while ensuring thoroughness. This tool excels at providing detailed overviews and identifying critical parts of papers. Use it to enhance your academic research with AI-powered literature discovery.

3. Scite: Citation Analysis Made Easy

Scite uses machine learning to assess the reliability of citations within academic papers. It’s perfect for researchers who want to verify the quality and impact of research. Scite provides visualizations and metrics to understand citation landscapes, helping you critically analyze references. If you’re seeking a citation analysis and quality evaluation tool, try Scite.

4. Google Scholar: Your Scholarly Search Engine

Google Scholar is a go-to platform for finding up-to-date academic literature. It’s excellent for students and researchers who need access to a vast repository of scholarly works. With easy-to-identify tags, it simplifies the quest for recent studies and papers. Use Google Scholar for comprehensive academic search engine needs.

5. Consensus: Aggregating Scientific Insights

Consensus aggregates insights from peer-reviewed articles , making it a valuable tool for understanding complex scientific subjects. It’s handy for researchers and students in STEM and business who need reliable summaries of published articles. Use Consensus for scientific and academic consensus aggregation.

6. Trinka: Perfecting Academic Writing

Trinka is a grammar and language correction tool for academic and technical writing. It offers over 3,000 grammar checks and tone enhancements, making it ideal for scholars writing theses and projects. Trinka helps you document findings with a technical tone and style, ensuring clarity and correctness.

7. Mendeley: Organize and Collaborate

Mendeley is a reference management tool that simplifies organizing, sharing, and citing research papers. It’s great for researchers who need to manage PDFs, create bibliographies, and collaborate on projects. Mendeley’s features make it practical for streamlining academic workflows and enhancing scholarly collaboration.

8. Scholarcy: Summarizing Research Papers

Scholarcy automates the summarization and extraction of key information from academic articles. It’s perfect for researchers who need to quickly identify critical findings without reading entire documents. Use Scholarcy for research paper summarization and extraction.

9. CORE: Open-Access Research Repository

CORE provides access to many open-access research articles across various disciplines. It’s ideal for researchers prioritizing open-access content and needing free access to high-quality articles. Use CORE to explore a wide variety of disciplines without paywalls.

10. ScienceOpen: Networking and Publishing

ScienceOpen offers open access to millions of academic articles and provides networking options for researchers. It’s great for academics who want to interact and collaborate with others in the field. Use ScienceOpen for open-access research and publishing network needs.

11. Directory of Open Access Journals: Quality Peer-Reviewed Sources

DOAJ provides access to high-quality, peer-reviewed, open-access journals across various subjects. It’s perfect for researchers who want credible sources that are freely available. Use DOAJ to find peer-reviewed academic content without paywalls.

12. PubMed: Biomedical Research Database

PubMed is a comprehensive database of medical and biomedical literature. It’s invaluable for researchers in medicine, biochemistry, and related sciences. With advanced search capabilities, PubMed helps you find relevant studies efficiently. Use PubMed for biomedical research database needs.

To conduct effective research, you must know how to spot reliable sources. Here’s how you can evaluate them:

1. Authority: Who’s Behind the Content?

Start by checking who the author is. Are they qualified? What’s their background? An expert in the field will carry more weight than someone without relevant experience. Look into their reputation and previous work to gauge their credibility.

2. Accuracy: Is the Information Correct?

Cross-check the author’s claims with established data. Are they citing sources correctly? Look for any signs of bias, as this can skew the results. If the information aligns with what you know to be accurate, it’s likely reliable.

3. Coverage: Does It Suit Your Needs?

Consider whether the information is helpful for your topic. Does it provide the depth you need? Look for statistics, charts, and graphs if your research requires statistics. A comprehensive and relevant source is more valuable.

4. Currency: How Current Is It?

Some fields change rapidly, like technology and medicine. For these topics, you’ll need the most recent information. Older sources might be acceptable for historical research, but current data is essential for evolving fields.

The CRAAP Test for Evaluating Sources

This helpful acronym from California State University streamlines the process of evaluating sources. Here’s how it works:

1. Currency: Is the Source Up-to-Date?

Check the publication date . Recent information is crucial for topics that evolve quickly. An outdated source might need to reflect the current state of knowledge.

2. Relevance: Does It Relate to Your Research?

Make sure the source addresses your research question or topic. Irrelevant information wastes time and effort.

3. Authority: Who Wrote It and Where Was It Published?

Look for authors who are respected in their field. Academic journals and books from reputable publishers are usually reliable.

4. Accuracy: Does Evidence support the Information?

Double-check the claims made in the source. Do data back them? Reliable sources will have citations that you can verify.

5. Purpose: What’s the Motive Behind the Source?

Consider why the source was created. Is it trying to sell something or push an agenda? Be wary of sources with a hidden motive.

Tips for Spotting Reliable Sources

Check the sources cited by the author. Are they reputable? This can help you find additional resources.

Use newspapers for firsthand accounts, but be cautious with online news sites. Verify their credibility before trusting them.

Ensure academic journals and books are peer-reviewed. This adds a layer of credibility to the information.

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Transform Ideas Into Drafts — Fast

Research is just the start. You need to write about it. Otio’s features help you turn your research into a first draft. It’s not just about speed; it’s about quality. You get AI-assisted writing features to help you leap from a jumble of notes to something you can use. Get through your reading list and start drafting at lightning speed .

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How to Find Sources for a Research Paper

Table of contents

• 1 Types of Sources Used in Research Projects
• 2 How to Start a Search for Sources
• 3 How to Determine a Credible Source
• 4 Free Resources for Learning
• 5 Sites for Scholarly Research
• 6 Credible Research Sources to Consider
• 7.1 Social Media & Related Sites
• 7.2 Wikipedia
• 7.3 General Blogs
• 7.4 Magazines
• 7.5 Outdated Sources
• 8 Tips for Finding Research Paper Sources

Writing research papers requires patience and deep analysis to find reliable sources.

Though many students must write research papers, only some know how to write a research paper and find credible sources. This article offers detailed information on writing papers and finding reliable sources.

Here are essential tips to verify the credibility of a source and start finding sources for an outstanding academic paper. Use this guide to create quality writing materials worthy of academic achievement. Papers Owl provides helpful tips, instructions, and resources for academic writing, ensuring you create a top-notch academic paper.

Types of Sources Used in Research Projects

Finding credible sources for research is essential, but what makes a source credible? You can find credible research sources on government pages, scientific journals or references, and credible websites. This sets the tone for explaining each type of source for research: a website, an article, references, and credible news.

• Primary Resources

Reliable sources are crucial for research projects and must be carefully selected and fact-checked. Almost anyone can edit online sources and publish without verification, so it’s important to use credible ones. The best sources for academic research come from government references or educational websites. Trusted examples include the WHO, NHS, US Census Bureau, and UK Statistics.

• Secondary Resources

Articles are excellent for obtaining detailed information and deep analysis. Choosing a credible article from academic databases is often easier because they provide key details upfront, such as the author’s name, education, publication year, and peer-review status. Some well-known academic resources include Google Scholar, Public Library of Science, Oxford Academic, and BioMed Central. Alternatively, you can use an online writing service.

Pro tip: if you doubt the credibility of a source, try using the CRAAP test, which states for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Analyze the information taking these detail into account, to determine whether the source can be used or disposed of.

Regardless of the type of sources you use, they must provide reliable information. Ask questions to determine credibility:

• Tertiary Resources

Lastly, news sources are credible but require caution and time to verify. Be aware of unreliable sources when looking for reliable information on current events. To find credible sources, use reputable online newspapers.

If you struggle to find and add reliable resources to your paper, use the CRAAP test for guidance. This method helps ensure the source credibility of your sources.

How to Start a Search for Sources

Students wondering how to find unbiased and credible sources for their assignments can use the following paragraph as a great guide. Good research sources are not hard to find in the library, but they require time. At the start of research, the bigger picture can be hard to see. Therefore the first step to find a good source for an academic research project is to start anywhere, even online, and narrow your search once you’ve discovered a connector string.

Here’s a useful list of steps students can use to find credible sources.

• Start somewhere. Use a search engine to look up your chosen topic. This will give you a good introduction and help you move forward with your investigation of materials.
• Use only fact-checked sites. Databases like Wikipedia should be massively avoided. Thus, each article can be edited by anyone, and no facts can be proven to be true.
• Go local.   Go for scholarly databases, well-known newspaper articles, and science essays to find credible news.

Be very careful when evaluating Internet sources. Avoid websites where you cannot determine the author unless they are linked to a reputable institution like a respected university, credible media outlet, government program, or well-known non-governmental organization. Be cautious with sites like Wikipedia, as anyone can add or change content, making it an unreliable source for academic standards.

How to Determine a Credible Source

It is becoming more critical for students to find sources amid the vast number of available reputable internet articles. Unfortunately, the accessibility of the information played a bad joke on Internet Users. There is a lot of fake news, clickbates, fabrications, propaganda, and manipulation. How do you not become a victim and find a reputable article in the world of the yellow press?

Credible sources are information based on evidence. It exists an easy way to check the credibility of a proven source. You just need to pass the CRAAP test :

• Currency: Is the primary source modern?
• Relevance: Does the source fit with what you’re looking for?
• Authority: Who wrote the origin? Where was it published?
• Accuracy: Are the claims given in the right way?
• Purpose: What was the point of putting this source out there?

Our top essay writers prepared helpful advice in this article. They use them daily to be sure that none of your teachers and examinators doesn’t put the background in question. This advice works well as the sole mechanism of the CRAAP test.

• Collect data for research carefully. It should be accurate and current.
• You must ensure that the source is appropriate for your project.
• The author and the publisher would be recognized as leading authorities in your academic investigating field.
• The author’s references should be simple to access, clear, and objective.
• The URL and style of online sites should indicate their source’s credibility.

Free Resources for Learning

Open Educational Resources are free, reliable sources for teaching and educational purposes.

To find credible sources like these, ensure they have a Creative Commons license, allowing information to be shared and used for help with research paper . Check credentials and backgrounds to confirm they offer relevant information and look for non-biased content. This ensures you use a reliable source for your work.

Sites for Scholarly Research

Scholarly research needs patience and careful analysis to find and verify sources. Government pages are reputable, but be wary of political bias. Educational and university sites are useful but should be analyzed carefully.

Company websites can also be good sources but watch out for product promotions that might affect the credibility of the information.

Credible Research Sources to Consider

The following advice will help you find credible sources for your research. Below is a list of primary and secondary sources suitable for creating an outstanding academic paper.

• Government Entities

Professionals regulate these sources, making them safe to use as primary sources. The reputable government site will vary by country. Some examples of excellent scholarly databases include the Australian Government Department of Health and the CIA World Factbook.

• Online news sources

To find credible sources for current events, use reputable online news sources.

• Periodicals

Newspaper articles, magazines, and journals are forms of periodical sources. Some are suitable for research, such as articles, conference papers, and theses. Others, like magazines and newsletters, are fit for non-academic research.

Examples of good periodical sources include The Journal of Psychology and the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

• Academic Libraries and Databases

You can search specialized databases and academic libraries with both paid and free access. Most paid information can be accessed with a university or school password.

These sources are reliable and always provide a bibliography citing the author’s background, credentials, and writing format. Popular and trustworthy online scholarly databases include Google Search, PubMed Central, and ScienceDirect. These search engines allow quick and easy access to data content.

• Professional Standards Organizations

Professional Standards Organizations are great guides for terminology and specifications in a country. Every country has at least one official organization for certified information. Common ones for academic research include the American National Standards Institute, the British Standards Institution, and the Standards Council of Canada.

• Indexes & Abstracts

Indexes and abstracts are good sources that help readers quickly determine if the information suits their research. Abstracts provide a brief summary of the text, making it easy to decide if the content is useful. Indexes break down texts into brief headings, allowing experts to find specific data efficiently.

• Newspaper Indexes

For research needing past data, newspaper indexes are the best option. These indexes include names, dates, subjects, illustrations, and other details from newspaper articles. They organize similar information, allowing readers to quickly access and find specific facts.

• Reference Books

Reference books provide further knowledge on a chosen topic. You can find them in the bibliography of other books and credible websites, and other credible sites that provide citations for the information displayed.

Sources to Avoid When Conducting Research

When researching material, consider the author’s qualifications, publication date, and peer-review status. Not all websites and posts include these details, making it hard to determine if the content is suitable for a research paper. To avoid wasting time, carefully evaluate your sources at the start of your research. In addition, for those who lack the time or resources to complete the research, there is opt to pay for paper writing .

Social Media & Related Sites

Some professionals and organizations use social media to spread fact-checked knowledge about specific topics. Social media and related sites use the worldwide phenomenon known as “fake news” to misrepresent current and previous events.

Wikipedia was cataloged as unreliable for research a long time ago because of its lack of credentials and quality and the ability for anyone can edit the type of facts and information displayed.

General Blogs

Nowadays, anyone with a computer or mobile phone can create a blog and publish or cite information that can’t be checked. Be cautious and select the type of sources. Only verified channels with a particular checkbox before writing.

Avoid common magazines when working on an academic project. They often promote products or services. Scientific publications are reliable sources because they aim to educate their readers.

Outdated Sources

Old sources, especially books, can become outdated and unreliable. Reliable websites, however, tend to be updated often. Always check the publication date of books and websites before using them in your work.

Some professionals and organizations use social media to spread fact-checked knowledge about specific topics. However, social media and related sites often use “fake news” to misrepresent events. Wikipedia is unreliable for academic projects due to its lack of credentials and quality control, as anyone can edit its content. General blogs are also unreliable since anyone can create and publish them without verification. Avoid common magazines as they often promote products or services. Always check the publication date of sources before including them in your work.

Tips for Finding Research Paper Sources

After reading all the information in this article, how to find good sources?

Finding credible sources and discovering new facts and data is not difficult. It requires patience and analysis, but it is manageable with the right approach. Below are helpful tips to find trustworthy resources, books, and journals to create an outstanding academic project.

• Begin with reliable sources.   Be cautious with Wikipedia. It is one of the most accessible resources, but its vulnerability to editing and unverified information makes it unreliable. Use Wikipedia wisely and avoid citing it directly in your work. Instead, use the reference numbers next to the words to find the original sources. This can lead you to credible journal articles, essays by famous authors, and thematic research papers. While these sources may be hard to find through a Google search, Wikipedia can guide you to them.
• Go to your local library.   The library offers a vast array of printed resources and materials for academic projects, including those that don’t require up-to-date information. It serves as a valuable center for anyone engaged in research, providing access to a reliable source of information.
• Find secondary sources and start from there.   If you find a newspaper article that cites a primary source, look for materials that have been widely re-published by other authors. Aim to use the most credible and frequently cited sources to support your academic project. Essentially, identify the range of primary resources you need from credible sources for your work.
• Use various sourcing type.   When writing a research project, use as many types of sources as possible. Include papers, books, websites, newspaper articles, documents, research studies, and more. This variety will enhance the quality of your work.
• Add one source per page. This standard requirement can vary depending on the professor, but a good rule to follow is to add at least one credible source of information per page to back up the writing information.

Crafting an award-winning academic paper is largely dependent on finding reliable sources. By following the tips in this article, you can create a successful paper. If you’re short on time, you can also buy a research paper online to save you effort and time.

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Americans’ Social Media Use

Youtube and facebook are by far the most used online platforms among u.s. adults; tiktok’s user base has grown since 2021, table of contents.

• Which social media sites do Americans use most?
• TikTok sees growth since 2021
• Stark age differences in who uses each app or site
• Other demographic differences in use of online platforms
• Acknowledgments
• 2023 National Public Opinion Reference Survey (NPORS) Methodology

To better understand Americans’ social media use, Pew Research Center surveyed 5,733 U.S. adults from May 19 to Sept. 5, 2023. Ipsos conducted this National Public Opinion Reference Survey (NPORS) for the Center using address-based sampling and a multimode protocol that included both web and mail. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race and ethnicity, education and other categories.

Polls from 2000 to 2021 were conducted via phone. For more on this mode shift, read our Q&A .

Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and  its methodology ­­­.

A note on terminology: Our May-September 2023 survey was already in the field when Twitter changed its name to “X.” The terms  Twitter  and  X  are both used in this report to refer to the same platform.

Social media platforms faced a range of controversies in recent years, including concerns over misinformation and data privacy . Even so, U.S. adults use a wide range of sites and apps, especially YouTube and Facebook. And TikTok – which some Congress members previously called to ban – saw growth in its user base.

These findings come from a Pew Research Center survey of 5,733 U.S. adults conducted May 19-Sept. 5, 2023.

YouTube by and large is the most widely used online platform measured in our survey. Roughly eight-in-ten U.S. adults (83%) report ever using the video-based platform.

While a somewhat lower share reports using it, Facebook is also a dominant player in the online landscape. Most Americans (68%) report using the social media platform.

Additionally, roughly half of U.S. adults (47%) say they use Instagram .

The other sites and apps asked about are not as widely used , but a fair portion of Americans still use them:

• 27% to 35% of U.S. adults use Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, WhatsApp and Snapchat.
• About one-in-five say they use Twitter (recently renamed “X”) and Reddit.  

This year is the first time we asked about BeReal, a photo-based platform launched in 2020. Just 3% of U.S. adults report using it.

Recent Center findings show that YouTube also dominates the social media landscape among U.S. teens .

One platform – TikTok – stands out for growth of its user base. A third of U.S. adults (33%) say they use the video-based platform, up 12 percentage points from 2021 (21%).

The other sites asked about had more modest or no growth over the past couple of years. For instance, while YouTube and Facebook dominate the social media landscape, the shares of adults who use these platforms has remained stable since 2021.

The Center has been tracking use of online platforms for many years. Recently, we shifted from gathering responses via telephone to the web and mail. Mode changes can affect study results in a number of ways, therefore we have to take a cautious approach when examining how things have – or have not – changed since our last study on these topics in 2021. For more details on this shift, please read our Q&A .

Adults under 30 are far more likely than their older counterparts to use many of the online platforms. These findings are consistent with previous Center data .

Age gaps are especially large for Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok – platforms that are used by majorities of adults under 30. For example:

• 78% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use Instagram, far higher than the share among those 65 and older (15%).
• 65% of U.S. adults under 30 report using Snapchat, compared with just 4% of the oldest age cohort.
• 62% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use TikTok, much higher than the share among adults ages 65 years and older (10%).
• Americans ages 30 to 49 and 50 to 64 fall somewhere in between for all three platforms.

YouTube and Facebook are the only two platforms that majorities of all age groups use. That said, there is still a large age gap between the youngest and oldest adults when it comes to use of YouTube. The age gap for Facebook, though, is much smaller.

Americans ages 30 to 49 stand out for using three of the platforms – LinkedIn, WhatsApp and Facebook – at higher rates. For instance, 40% of this age group uses LinkedIn, higher than the roughly three-in-ten among those ages 18 to 29 and 50 to 64. And just 12% of those 65 and older say the same. 

Overall, a large majority of the youngest adults use multiple sites and apps. About three-quarters of adults under 30 (74%) use at least five of the platforms asked about. This is far higher than the shares of those ages 30 to 49 (53%), 50 to 64 (30%), and ages 65 and older (8%) who say the same.  

Refer to our social media fact sheet for more detailed data by age for each site and app.

A number of demographic differences emerge in who uses each platform. Some of these include the following:

• Race and ethnicity: Roughly six-in-ten Hispanic (58%) and Asian (57%) adults report using Instagram, somewhat higher than the shares among Black (46%) and White (43%) adults. 1
• Gender: Women are more likely than their male counterparts to say they use the platform.
• Education: Those with some college education and those with a college degree report using it at somewhat higher rates than those who have a high school degree or less education.
• Race and ethnicity: Hispanic adults are particularly likely to use TikTok, with 49% saying they use it, higher than Black adults (39%). Even smaller shares of Asian (29%) and White (28%) adults say the same.
• Gender: Women use the platform at higher rates than men (40% vs. 25%).
• Education: Americans with higher levels of formal education are especially likely to use LinkedIn. For instance, 53% of Americans with at least a bachelor’s degree report using the platform, far higher than among those who have some college education (28%) and those who have a high school degree or less education (10%). This is the largest educational difference measured across any of the platforms asked about.

Twitter (renamed “X”)

• Household income: Adults with higher household incomes use Twitter at somewhat higher rates. For instance, 29% of U.S. adults who have an annual household income of at least $100,000 say they use the platform. This compares with one-in-five among those with annual household incomes of $70,000 to $99,999, and around one-in-five among those with annual incomes of less than $30,000 and those between $30,000 and $69,999.
• Gender: Women are far more likely to use Pinterest than men (50% vs. 19%).
• Race and ethnicity: 54% of Hispanic adults and 51% of Asian adults report using WhatsApp. This compares with 31% of Black adults and even smaller shares of those who are White (20%).

• Estimates for Asian adults are representative of English speakers only. ↩

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