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Why do I need to check?

Assessing information involves determining which sources are the most useful and trustworthy. Discover how to evaluate your sources, identify peer-reviewed journals, and apply key criteria to filter through the material effectively.

Learning to evaluate your information is particularly important when using information for assignments.You need to carefully check the information you use to make sure that it is fit for your purpose.

Use the CRAAP test to evaluate the information you have found and see if it is suitable to use for your assignment.

Click here for the CRAAP test

Types of sources and their uses

  • Books

    • Provide an overview, introduction, or background on a topic
    • Cover broad subject areas in depth

  • Journal articles (peer-reviewed or scholarly journals)

    • Present the latest research and developments in a field
    • Offer diverse perspectives and in-depth analysis of a topic
    • Are written by experts and reviewed by other scholars before publication
    • Contain references and citations to support claims

  • Magazines

    • Cover current events, trends, and general-interest topics
    • Are written by journalists or non-experts for a broad audience
    • May include opinions and commentary without academic citations
    • Are not peer-reviewed and may lack rigorous fact-checking

  • Newspapers

    • Deliver up-to-date information on current events
    • Reflect public opinions and attitudes on various issues
    • Provide primary sources for historical and social research

  • Websites

    • Offer reports and documents from government, academic, or professional organizations
    • Provide introductory or background information
    • Help you become familiar with a topic
    • Require careful evaluation for credibility and bias

  • Reference materials (dictionaries, encyclopedias – general or subject-specific)

    • Contain factual and statistical data
    • Provide an overview of a subject
    • Define key terms and concepts
    • Help decode technical jargon

Peer-reviewed journals vs. magazines

Feature Peer-reviewed journals Magazines
Audience Degree-level students, scholars, researchers, professionals General public
Authors Experts, academics with credentials Journalists, freelance writers
Review process Articles undergo rigorous peer review by experts Edited by magazine staff, not reviewed by experts
Content In-depth research, data, and analysis General-interest stories, opinions, entertainment
References Includes citations and bibliography Rarely includes references
Purpose to advance knowledge in a field To inform or entertain

When conducting academic research, peer-reviewed journals are preferred because they provide reliable, thoroughly vetted information. Magazines, while useful for general insights and current trends, are not typically considered scholarly source

Peer review in 3 minutes