Criteria for Research Paper Resources

ALL SOURCES MUST BE

Credible:  Justify the qualifications of your source. 
*What is their connection to the issue?
*What about their experience, profession, or knowledge clearly makes this source an authority on the issue?
*What interests, priorities, or beliefs could color their understanding of or approach to the issue?
*What about their assessment of the issue might indicate bias or an attempt to “spin” information?

Recent:  Make sure the information has not been rendered inaccurate by intervening developments

*Historical developments
*Political or legal changes
*Technological developments
*New Research

Valid:  The information you use must faithfully convey the meaning of the source.

*Do not use minor excerpts from articles, books, websites, or programs that primarily address other issues
*Do not “cherry pick” unrepresentative information from discussions of other issues.

Typical:  Make sure the views you include are representative of general contemporary understanding of the issue

*Avoid using controversial or minority scientific opinions unless clearly identified and addressed
*Critically assess controversial historical, political, or social commentaries.