Searching the Databases and Evaluating Sources Research Guide
Welcome to the Searching the Databases and Evaluating Sources Research Guide. This guide assists students with tips and tricks when searching in the databases available through Luther Library and how to evaluate your sources.
This Research Guide will provide information on navigating the databases, finding full-text articles, primary versus secondary sources, saving full-text articles, etc.
If you have questions or would like assistance with your research, please contact the Head Librarian at library@midlandu.edu.
Visit the Luther Library Canvas Course for a step-by-step guide on searching through our databases.
A primary source article refers to a scholarly research article that is the author(s)’ original research and is almost always published in a peer-reviewed journal. Primary sources usually include a background section, methods section, results section, and a discussion section similar to the example below:
A secondary source refers to an article in which the author(s) did not experience or participate in the research first-hand but instead summarizes, interprets, analyzes, or comments on information that can be found in primary sources. Below is an example of a secondary source:
The CRAAP Test is a tool that can be used to effectively evaluate sources found on websites from Google. Each letter in the acronym will assist in determining appropriate sources to use in your research.
C: Currency – The Timeliness of Information
When was the information published? Is there a publication date listed? Is the information current or out of date? Are allthe links functional?
R: Relevance – The Importance of the Information for your Needs
Who is the intended audience for your information? Is the information at an appropriate age level? Does it relate to your research topic or question?
A: Authority – The Source of the Information
Is there an author/publisher listed? Does the author have credentials provided that proves their expertise in the information?
A: Accuracy – The Reliability, Truthfulness, and Correctness of the Content
Is there a bibliography supporting the information in the article? Can the other sources be verified? Where is the information coming from?
P: Purpose – The Reason the Information Exists
Is the information provided in the article factual? Opinionated? Unbiased? Propaganda?