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A Guide to Global Health and Epidemiology Research

Evaluate What You Find

Finding sources is only the first part of the research process.  Once you locate sources, you need to be able to evaluate them to see if they're appropriate. 

 

Want to know if a journal is scholarly and/or peer-reviewed?  Look it up in Ulrich's Online: 

 

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Domain names

So what do all those domain names mean?

  • .com--Originally used for commercial entities, it is now the most common domain name. Anyone can register for a .com domain name.
  • .org--Intended for non-profit organizations; however, any person or entity can register for one.
  • .net--Any person or entity can register for this domain.
  • .edu--Limited to specific educational institutions. It is used almost exclusively by American colleges and universities. Note: some institutions that do not meet the current registration criteria have been grandfathered in.
  • .gov--This domain is limited to government agencies in the US

Is it a good resource, or is it CRAAP?

Currency:

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?

Relevance:

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?

Authority:

  • Who is the author/publisher/source?
  • What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • What does the URL extension reveal about the author or source? (.com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net, .mli, .jobs, .biz)

Accuracy:

  • Does the author cite their sources?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?

Purpose:

  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intention or purpose clear?
  • Is the information Fact? Opinion? Propaganda?

Adapted from a handout developed by librarians at Meriam Library, California State University, Chico, 2004

Questions to ask

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether or not to use a website. These questions will help you pick better sources for your topic.Evaluating a website

Adapted from Oviatt Library, CSU Northridge http://library.csun.edu/blogs/cited/tag/research-therapy/page/2