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Biology: 3. Recognize Credible Sources

recognize credible sources

What Makes a Source Credible?

Credible sources make your argument stronger and more reliable. Scholarly, peer reviewed sources are always credible.  You can evaluate other sources for credibility by asking:

  • Who is writing?

    • Should be an expert: Master's degree or higher in their field

  • On what topic?
    • Author should be an expert in the field they are writing about.  Ex. a Veterinarian writing about diseases affecting dogs

For a research paper, you will focus on scholarly sources, which meet the first two criteria and also are written for other experts.  Popular magazines and news stories are not scholarly sources.  Also be aware that some articles in scholarly journals such as editorials, opinion pieces or book reviews are not peer reviewed articles.  

Any doubts about the credibility of a source you've found?  Ask a librarian!

Reliable science websites to explore