If you use the tips on the Finding Scholarly Sources tab, much of your evaluation work is already done for you because your search list will only contain scholarly sources. Sticking to Scholarly or Peer-Reviewed sources will save you time. 

What does peer-reviewed mean? It means that experts in the field gave feedback on a paper before it was published. Typically, articles published in scholarly journals are peer-reviewed and of the highest quality.

Some hints:

Peer-reviewed sources are usually...

• Full of references because scholars always back up their argument. Look for a bibliography or works cited page!
• Published in academic journals like American Journal of Sociology and NOT in magazines or newspapers, like Reader's Digest or The Washington Post.
• Written by professors so check to see if the author is affiliated with any universities or colleges.

What is NOT a scholarly or peer-reviewed source?

• Most web sites
• Magazines 
• Primary sources, e.g. a president's speech

Watch the video below to learn more about peer review. (Video by American Chemical Society)