Evaluating Resources: Select the Right Source

Now that we've discussed how to identify various publications, review the boxes below with recommendations on when their use might be appropriate.

Please Note: The below are general guidelines. Please refer to your discussion, assignment, or capstone rubric for specific requirements.

Coursework:

Required for many discussion posts & assignments.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

Make up a large percentage of the literature review.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Often assume prior understanding.

• Not a good source for background information.

Coursework:     

May be appropriate, if allowed by the instructions.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

If relevant to the topic, may be included in the small percentage of non-peer-reviewed sources.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Their purpose is to inform the reader.
• Great source of background information.

Coursework:     

• Good source for popular or current events.
• May be appropriate, if allowed by the instructions.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

If it is important to highlight current events, may be appropriate to include in the small percentage of non-peer-reviewed sources.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Purpose is to entertain.
• Should be checked for accuracy.

Coursework:     

May be appropriate, if allowed by the instructions.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

• Many theories were originally published in scholarly books.
• Should make up part of your non-peer-reviewed sources

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Have the space to go more in-depth on a topic.
• Great source for background information.

Coursework:     

• Purpose is to help you learn concepts.
• Should refer to your textbook when appropriate.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

• Generally, not appropriate.
• Should cite primary sources instead.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

Great source of background information.

Coursework:     

May be appropriate, if allowed by the instructions

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

• Looking at completed dissertations can be a good learning experience.
• The bibliographies can be a great place to find relevant sources.
• Depending on your program, may be appropriate to include in your literature review.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Generally assumes an understanding of the topic.
• Not a great source of background information.

Coursework:     

• Most professors prefer that you not cite these.
• May be appropriate, if allowed by the instructions.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

• Some programs allow these to be used for scholarly definitions of terms.
• Otherwise, they should not be used in your dissertation.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Give short, concise explanations that can help you better understand a topic.
• Great source of background information.

Coursework:     

• Good source for current and local events.
• May be appropriate, if allowed by the instructions.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

If it is important to highlight current events or events from a specific location, may be appropriate to include in the small percentage of non-peer-reviewed sources.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Purpose is to inform and entertain.
• Should be checked for accuracy.

Coursework:     

May be appropriate, if allowed by the instructions.

Dissertation or Capstone Project:            

May be appropriate, depending on your area of study.

Background Information (basic overview of topic):

• Generally assume a degree of familiarity with a topic.
• Not a great source for background information.