It is important to evaluate the sources you find. You can use the RADAR Approach to ask questions about your sources and investigate them further.
| R: Relevance |
Relevance is related to whether a source meets assignment requirements and supports your research topic or arguments. |
- Does the source meet your assignment’s requirements?
- How does the information shared in the source relate to your research topic?
- How would citing this source increase your understanding of your research topic?
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| A: Authority |
Authority is related to author credentials and expertise. |
- Who is the author?
- What are the author's qualifications?
- Does the author’s background or qualifications relate to the article’s topic?
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| D: Date |
Date is related to currency of information as well as whether you need a current or historic source. |
- When was the source published?
- Do you need a current or historic source?
- Has more recent information related to your topic been published?
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| A: Accuracy |
Accuracy is related to whether or not the provided information is supported by evidence or verified by other sources. |
- Is the information shared in the source supported by evidence?
- What type of source is this?
- Can you verify the information shared in another source?
- Does this source cite other sources?
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| R: Rationale or Reason |
Rationale is related to the purpose or goal of the source. |
- What is the author's goal? Do they want to inform, persuade, etc.?
- Does the author discuss alternative points of view?
- Who is the intended audience?
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