You will need to carefully evaluate each tool and source that you use in the research process. Once you begin to track down sources from your tools, you'll get a better idea of how individual sources will support (or won't support) your project.
You will probably need to conduct many different searches, with many different tools, in order to find the best material.
There are many different criteria that you can use when choosing to use a source. One method is the *CRAAP test shown below. For each source you encounter, ask yourself if it meets the criteria.
Here, you assess the timeliness of the information. Look for when the resource was created or last updated. You'll also want to ask yourself if you need current information.
You should consider each source in relation to your topic, research question and how you will use it. If the source doesn't add anything to your project, don't use it!
This is where you ask who is responsible for the information. Who wrote and published the information? What are the author and publisher's credentials?
You want to use only information that is reliable, truthful and correct. Is the information supported by evidence? Does the author use an unbiased, neutral tone?
You should figure out why the information exists. Try to focus on information that is intended to inform, not mislead or persuade. Examine the author's intentions, assumptions and biases.
(*Created by Merriam Library, California State University, Chico.)
Evaluating sources: Overview - This guide from the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) provides information on various evaluation strategies.
Critically analyzing information sources - This page, from Cornell University Libraries, provides an in-depth explanation of an evaluation strategy.
Why can't I just Google? - Here is an entertaining YouTube video, from LaTrobe University, about why evaluation is important.