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English 201A: English Composition: Evaluating Sources

This guide connects English 201A students with resources that will be useful for succeeding in this class.

Evaluating Information Sources

  • When looking for information, you need to evaluate your sources carefully
  • This is especially true if you are doing an Internet search
  • By searching Cuesta Library Search, you automatically limit your results to quality sources

Note: If your instructor wants "peer-reviewed" articles, check off the "peer-reviewed" checkbox in Cuesta Library Search

The SIFT method

Not sure if an information source is reliable? Try the SIFT method!

  • Stop
  • Investigate the source
  • Find better coverage
  • Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context

Navigating the Web

Video on Evaluating Information Sources

Google Scholar

Look for articles that have PDF or HTML links on the right. These are usually free, full-text articles.

Google Scholar Search

Test Your Evaluation Skills