Go through this tab to learn what to look out for to assess whether an article is relevant, reliable and current.
Images in this tab were generated by AI
Not all information can be trusted. Some people deliberately spread fake news to manipulate others. Even scientific articles are not always 100 per cent trustworthy.
What should you look out for?
► Follow our tutorial How to Recognize Fake News?
Does this tab still not provide enough guidance?
► Check out the LibGuide Assessing and Selecting for more tips.
When determining whether a source is relevant, pay attention, for example, to its content, level, form and topicality.
In each case, ask yourself:
► Does the information answer (part of) your question?
► Is this the best form of information to answer the question?
► Is the article valid (was what was to be measured actually measured)?
► Is the study population the same as in your study? And the setting?
► Are more recent insights now available? (Is the source older than 10 years?)
You want to know what materials are suitable to add isolation value to a house. You searched articles via IEEE and came across this article:
Pruteanu, M. (2010). Investigations Regarding the Thermal Conductivity of Straw. Bulletin of the Polytechnic Institute of Jassy: Constructions, Architecture Section, 66(3), 9-16. Retrieved 14 November 2024, from https://edu.nl/3nc3g
Take a critical look at which author or what organisation is ‘behind’ the information. Also check whether the information is confirmed (several times) by other sources.
For example, ask these questions:
► To what extent is the author a renowned expert?
► Does the organisation have expertise on the subject?
► Has the article been published in a qualitative (peer-reviewed) journal?
► How often has the article been cited?
If a source does not seem reliable, you can choose (1) not to use it or (2) add a critical comment.
You have found an article on the quality increase of 3D printed concrete. You are trying to assess whether you can make sense of it. To what extent do you think this is a reliable article:
Biranchi, P., Pankaj, B., & Syed Bustan Fatima, W. (2023). Exploring Fibre Addition Methods and Mechanical Properties of Fibre-Reinforced 3D Printed Concrete: A Review. Developments in the Built Environment, 16, 100295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2023.100295