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Start My Research

A guide to getting started with your research project.

Assessing Sources

Who

Is there an author or multiple authors? 

What else have they written? 

What are the author’s affiliations?

What

Is a source for any facts or claims indicated? 

What evidence is presented to support assumptions or conclusions? 

Do other sources agree with the information presented?

When

How current is the information? 

Has significant research been done since the item was published? 

Has it been updated?

Why

How is this article supposed to affect the reader? 

Does the author have a hidden agenda?

Does the author have a stated agenda?

Where

What is the review process?

What types of sources does the publisher typically publish?

Does the publisher have a reputation?

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