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The Ultimate Student Guide To Finding Credible Sources

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: January 1, 2020

In this article

When it comes to writing a research paper, it’s crucial that you use credible sources to make sure that the information you are stating is actually true. Knowing the difference between credible sources and unreliable sources doesn’t always come so easily with endless information flooding the internet. Thankfully, there are some simple tips that you can use to ensure that you are always using credible sources for research.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that uses original research on a specific topic. There are many different types of research papers, ranging from a high school term paper to a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation.

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How to start a search for sources, 1. start simple.

If you’re wondering how to find sources for a research paper, the easiest and best way to start is simple! Just try browsing through some common search engines to see what you find.

2. Cross Wikipedia off

Wikipedia, although it’s a massive pool of information, should always be avoided when writing a research paper since it allows the public to edit information. Sites such as these often run the risk of lacking accuracy, and is not one of the most credible sources for research.

3. Yes to scholarly databases

Scholarly databases are your best friend when it comes to finding credible sources for research. Online scholarly databases that can be trusted and are known to provide useful information for students include LexisNexis and EBSCO.

4. Newspapers and magazines

Although sometimes biased, newspapers and magazines can also be a great place to find information about current events.

5. The library

While the library seems to be the most obvious place to find information, somehow it’s often forgotten when it comes to research in the modern age. Don’t forget how useful it can truly be!

Types of Credible Sources for Research

1. what are some credible websites.

Many online sources do not necessarily contain information that is correct or has been checked. That’s why it’s of utmost importance to make sure that you’re using the right websites for your research, with government and educational websites generally being the most reliable.

Credible sources for research include: science.gov, The World Factbook, US Census Bureau, UK Statistics, and Encyclopedia Britannica.

2. What are some credible journal articles?

When it comes to journal articles, determining how credible they are comes much easier than other sources. This is generally due to the fact that many of these websites will include valuable information such as how many times the article has been cited, and if its been peer reviewed.

Some great examples of reliable websites for journal articles include Google Scholar, Oxford Academic, Microsoft Academic, Cornell University Library, and SAGE Publishing.

If you are ever not sure how to find credible sources, then there’s the CRAAP test, which takes into account the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose of the article. Take all of these factors into consideration before using a source and determining whether or not it’s credible enough. Even if it takes more time, you’ll be saving yourself tons of time in the long run by not using unreliable sources.

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3. what are some credible news sources.

When it comes to news articles, more caution must be taken since it’s hard to know which sources are truly reliable and unbiased. The CRAAP test is also useful in this type of article for research.

A few examples of credible news sources include The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Washington Post.

The Credibility of a Source

As you search for your research information, you will surely come across the question of how to find credible sources for a research paper. Here are some criteria to focus on to ensure that you only use the most credible of sources.

1. What’s the depth of it?

Always look at the depth of an article, not just the written content. See how long the article is, and if it contains the necessary information such as an abstract, a reference list, and documented data.

2. Who is reading it?

When judging the credibility of an article, it’s important to always ask yourself who the target audience of the article is. Sometimes, sources have a specific goal in mind and it can create certain biases.

3. What’s the goal?

Just as you should do with the audience, also ask yourself what the article is trying to achieve. What is their ultimate goal and how are they persuading you of that?

4. Who wrote it?

Always ask yourself who wrote the article and how reputable they are in the specific field. Look at what other published works they have as well.

5. Can it be trusted?

Overall, it’s key to ask yourself how reputable the source is. What kind of website is it published on? Look at the big picture.

6. Is it relevant to now?

Look at the date of the article, or about the specific things they are mentioning in the article. If it’s from a few years ago, it’s probably not too relevant to your current research.

7. Can it be proven?

While an article may sound incredibly convincing, many people have a way with words and persuasion. Stop and ask yourself whether or not what they are claiming can actually be proven.

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How to evaluate source credibility.

By using unreliable sources in your research, it can discredit your status, which is why it’s incredibly important to make sure that any information you are using is up-to-date and accurate.

Here’s how to find credible sources.

1. What is a credible source?

Generally, materials that have been published within the past 10 years are considered to be credible sources for research. Another important factor to consider is the author — if they are well known and respected in their specific fields, that’s also generally a sign that the article is credible. Educational and government-run websites (.gov, .edu) tend to also be a safe source to use, as well as academic databases. Google Scholar is also a no-fail source for reliable information.

2. What is a potentially unreliable source?

Anything that is out of date, meaning it’s been published more than 10 years ago should be avoided. Materials published on social media platforms such as Facebook or personal blogs don’t tend to be the most credible. Always make sure that an article contains proper citations and that the website you are using ends in .com or .org.

Free Resources For Learning

There are many free resources for research available known as open educational resources . They are licensed for free use, with the intention of teaching. They can be determined as credible sources for research if they have a Creative Common license, and if the author has proven to be an expert in their field. Always make sure that the content you are using contains no biases.

Sites For Scholarly Research

When performing scholarly research, it’s extra important to make sure that your sources are credible. Government-run research is considered credible, but beware of any political sites. University and educational websites also tend to be reliable, but still take everything you read with a grain of salt. Company websites also tend to be reliable, although their ultimate goal is usually to promote a product. Organizations which are .org websites can be professional and reliable, however, sometimes they also have their own interests.

Which Sites Can Be Relied On

The internet has no shortage of information out there. That’s why you’ll need these handy tips to determine which to use, and how to distinguish through the vast choices without feeling overwhelmed.

List of Credible Research Sources to Consider

1. government entities.

These websites tend to be reliable since they are highly regulated. Examples include the CIA World Factbook and the United States Justice Statistics.

2. Research Think Tanks

Examples of reliable research think tanks include Rand Corporation, Pew Research Center and The Milken Institute.

3. Academic Libraries and Databases

ProQuest, Scopus, and Jstor are great examples of academic libraries and databases that can be trusted.

4. Professional Standards Organizations

The American Bar Association and The American Psychological Association (APA) are highly credible sources when it comes to professional standards.

How to Write a Research Paper: Step-by-Step

Now that you’re an expert on finding credible sources for research, you’re ready to go! But how do you even start to write a research paper? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

For starters, it’s important to get clear instructions from your professor on what they want. The next step is to start brainstorming ideas for a topic of research. Once you’ve decided and feel confident about it, you’re ready to create your outline and plan out the goal of your research paper.

Befriend your librarian and start to search for quality and credible sources through a variety of means. Make sure you understand your topic from top to bottom before you start writing.  As you write, be sure to always keep things factual, and that you finalize your thesis statement throughout your paper — not just at the end. That’s what’s going to guide your writing. Be sure to always keep format in mind, never forget to cite your sources, and to never skip those edits and final checks.

Now you are ready to write a high-quality, fact-driven research paper that’s sure to impress your professors.

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

10 Ways On How To Find Sources For A Research Paper

Declan Gessel

May 27, 2024

If you are struggling to find credible sources for your research paper, you are in the right place. Utilizing academic sources gives your paper credibility and makes your arguments more compelling. This guide will teach you to gather academic sources to elevate your research paper. The importance of academic sources cannot be stressed enough. By utilizing academic sources, you add value to your work. 

Including academic sources in your research paper makes your argument more compelling and credible. Focusing on academic resources elevates your work and resonates with your readers. In the digital age, finding sources has never been easier. By leveraging technology, you can access an array of academic resources. Although finding sources may seem daunting, you can discover academic resources quickly and efficiently. 

In this guide, we detail various strategies for finding academic resources. As you gather resources, assessing each source's credibility is crucial. In the digital age, anyone can publish information, regardless of its validity. By utilizing the CRAAP Test , you can evaluate the credibility of your sources. This tool assesses a source's currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. 

By determining these factors, you can ensure that your sources are trustworthy and reliable. Each source you use in your research paper should pass the CRAAP Test. By utilizing this tool, you enhance the credibility of your work and make your arguments more compelling. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can easily gather academic sources for your research paper.

Table of Contents

What are credible research sources, characteristics of a reliable source, how to evaluate source credibility, write smarter with jotbot — start writing for free today.

Credible sources are essential for providing accurate, reliable, and verifiable information in research papers. When I say "credible sources," I mean sources authored by experts and published in reputable journals, books, or websites. The integrity and reliability of your research depend on these sources. Credible sources ensure your research findings' accuracy and provide detailed and reliable information. Strengthening the foundation of your argument is critical. It supports and validates your claims. Using respected sources enhances the authority and legitimacy of your work. Credible sources prevent the dissemination of false or misleading information. They also improve the overall quality and credibility of your paper. These sources contribute to the scholarly quality and trustworthiness of your research. 

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• how to know if an article is peer reviewed • semantic scholar • what are scholarly sources • credible sources for research • how to use google scholar • craap method • evaluating sources • 10 examples of reliable sources • academic search engines

When I evaluate a source's credibility, accuracy is critical. I always check to see if the information presented can be verified. I look for sources that cite their sources and avoid making misleading claims. The best sources have been fact-checked and reviewed by editors.

Objectivity

I make sure the source remains objective and neutral in its presentation of information. I avoid sources with a clear agenda or relying on emotional manipulation rather than facts. A trustworthy source should present information unbiasedly and provide substantial evidence to back up its claims.

Before considering a source credible, I check the author or publisher's credibility. I look for recognized experts or authorities in the field, as scholarly articles are typically written by researchers or academics with relevant qualifications. I also check for credentials, and affiliations with reputable institutions, or established publishers.

Finally, I ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant to the topic at hand. I always check the source's publication date to ensure it aligns with current knowledge or research in the field. Keeping up with the most current and relevant information helps to ensure the quality and credibility of the source.

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• How to Find Peer Reviewed Articles on Google Scholar • ChatPDF Alternative • Best Databases for Research • Google Scholar Alternative • Best AI for Writing Research Papers • Peer-Reviewed Sources • How to Tell if a Source Is Scholarly • Best Websites for Research Papers Free • Databases Like JSTOR • Scholarly vs Popular Sources • How to Find Research Papers • AI That Cites Sources • The CRAAP Test • CRAAP Analysis • What Is a CRAAP Test? • CRAAP Criteria • What Is the CRAP Test • CRAP Test for Sources • How to Determine Credibility of a Source • CRAP Test English • How to Evaluate a Source for Credibility

1. Dive Deep into Scholarly Articles and Journals

Academic Databases offer a plethora of resources that allow you to research numerous topics from a scholarly perspective. I suggest databases such as JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost, which provide up-to-date and well-vetted information.

2. Utilize the Wealth of Your University Library

The university library is a hidden gem, offering resources that may not be available elsewhere. The library has academic journals, e-books, and print materials that are invaluable for research. Don't forget to ask the librarian for help!

3. Government Websites: A Treasure Trove of Information

Government websites (those that end in .gov) are rich in trustworthy data, reports, and statistics. They offer a broad spectrum of topics, from health to environmental science.

4. Sink Your Teeth Into Educational Websites

Educational websites ending in .edu are another great resource. These sites often contain research findings from universities and institutions, providing a solid foundation for your research.

5. Turn to Established News Outlets

Reputable news organizations are perfect for acquiring information on current events and analysis. Hunt for websites that differentiate between news and opinion, with a strong emphasis on fact-checking and integrity.

6. Delve into Peer-Reviewed Journals

Information from peer-reviewed journals is backed by experts in the field, guaranteeing credibility and supporting evidence. This makes it an excellent source of research material.

7. Explore Books by Credible Authors

You should include books by reliable authors published by university presses or reputable publishing houses on your list. The author's expertise and credentials significantly improve the validity of the information.

8. Reports from Reputable Organizations

Organizations such as research institutes think tanks, and NGOs can provide a wealth of information on various topics. Search for organizations renowned for their credibility and transparent funding sources.

9. Trustworthy Documentary Films

While not the conventional source, documentary films can provide unique insights and perspectives on social and historical issues. Ensure that the documentaries have a solid factual basis and have minimal bias.

10. Published Interviews with Experts

Interviews with professionals in relevant fields can offer firsthand accounts and valuable insights. Look for interviews conducted by reputable journalists or published by credible sources to enhance the credibility of your research.

Author Expertise 

When evaluating a source, the first thing I look at is who wrote it. I want to see if the author is a professor in the field, a researcher with relevant experience, or someone with no credentials. An author with credentials from reputable institutions or organizations is likelier to publish accurate and reliable information.

Currency of Information

The next thing I consider is the currency of information. I look to see if the information is fresh and relevant to my research needs. I understand that the publication date is crucial and should align with my research requirements. For some fields, like fast-moving scientific fields, recent publications are essential, while for others, historical accuracy might be more important.

Objectivity and Bias

Then, I check for objectivity and bias in the source. A credible source should present a balanced, unbiased view, acknowledging opposing viewpoints and avoiding sensationalized language. I am wary of sources with a clear agenda or those heavily promoting a particular perspective.

Evidence and Citations 

Lastly, I consider the evidence and citations provided by the source. I look for supporting evidence that backs up the claims made. Sources that cite reputable publications and include references to credible sources demonstrate stronger credibility.

When it comes to writing research papers, finding credible sources can be a challenging task. Jotbot is an artificial intelligence-powered document assistant that can help you with this aspect of your paper. Jotbot takes note-taking to the next level by providing AI summaries of videos and analyzing texts to produce outlines. 

It can even help you find citations and sources for your research, streamlining your writing process and making it more efficient. By leveraging Jotbot’s AI capabilities , you can write better, write faster, and write smarter. Start writing with Jotbot today by signing in with Google and experiencing a new level of writing efficiency.

• How to Find Sources for an Essay • Finding Sources • Types of Scholarly Sources • Are Blogs Scholarly Sources • How to Find Scientific Articles • Sourcely AI • Vetting Sources • CRAAP Test Generator

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