Evaluating Sources

Put the source's publication date into context. Sometimes you want the most current data, other times you need older or historical data.

Things to consider about when was the source published:

• Most recent and up-to-date
• New edition or revision of an older work
• Published before, during, or after a major change/event in the field
• Newer research has refuted its findings
• Contemporaneous - Published when the idea or subject was first exhibited/presented/published
• Example from a specific time period/school of thought