When evaluating sources, we look at
quality, accuracy, relevance, bias, reputation, currency, and
credibility factors in a specific work. This article breaks down the
questions to ask yourself when evaluating a source – who, what, where,
when, and why (sometimes we also need to add "how") – it then summarises
these into the 5Ws. What are your 5Ws?
Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative, requiring the evaluation of a range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops.
You developed a viable research question, compiled a list of subject headings and keywords and spent a great deal of time searching the literature of your discipline or topic for sources. It's now time to evaluate all of the information you found. Not only do you want to be sure of the source and the quality of the information, but you also want to determine whether each item is appropriate fit for your own review. This is also the point at which you make sure that you have searched out publications for all areas of your research question and go back into the literature for another search, if necessary.
In general, when we discuss evaluation of sources we are talking about looking at quality, accuracy, relevance, bias, reputation, currency, and credibility factors in a specific work, whether it's a book, ebook, article, website, or blog posting. Before you include a source in your literature review, you should clearly understand what it is and why you are including it. According to Bennard et al.,, "Using inaccurate, irrelevant, or poorly researched sources can affect the quality of your own work". (para. 4).
When evaluating a work for inclusion in, or exclusion from, your literature review, ask yourself a series of questions about each source.