Primary sources are original research articles written by the researchers.
Secondary sources describe a research study. If you are interested in that study, check the reference list and locate the original article. When you read the original it's a primary source!
From Nancyruth Leibold's 7th edition APA Format Lab
Use the criteria RADAR to evaluate sources. Ask yourself the questions associated with each area of Relevance, Authority, Date, Appearance and Reason. Using the criteria will help you determine if the source you have found is suitable for your research needs.
Information and graphics used for RADAR were adapted from
Jane Mandalios (2013). RADAR: An approach for helping students evaluate Internet sources. And from Western Libraries of Western University.
This 3:30 video was produced by the University of Louisville's library. It introduces lateral reading and demonstrates how to use lateral reading to evaluate websites.
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