--- source_url: "https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/which-sources-are-relevant/?utm_source=openai" title: "How can I tell which sources are relevant to my research?" mirrored_at: 2026-08-12T01:38:49.866Z host: www.scribbr.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/which-sources-are-relevant/index__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/which-sources-are-relevant/?utm_source=openai As you cannot possibly read every source related to your topic, it’s important to [evaluate sources](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/evaluating-sources/) to assess their relevance. Use preliminary evaluation to determine whether a source is worth examining in more depth. This involves: - Reading [abstracts](https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/abstract/), prefaces, [introductions](https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/introduction/), and [conclusions](https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/conclusion/) - Looking at the [table of contents](https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/table-of-contents/) to determine the [scope](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/scope-of-research/) of the work - Consulting the index for key terms or the names of important scholars ### Frequently asked questions: Working with sources [What does it mean to synthesize sources?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-does-it-mean-to-synthesize-sources/) [Synthesizing sources](https://www.scribbr.com/?p=393424) means comparing and contrasting the work of other scholars to provide new insights. It involves analyzing and interpreting the points of agreement and disagreement among sources. You might synthesize sources in your [literature review](https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/) to give an overview of the field of research or throughout your [paper](https://www.scribbr.com/category/research-paper/) when you want to contribute something new to existing research. [What is lateral reading?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-lateral-reading/) Lateral reading is the act of evaluating the [credibility](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/) of a source by comparing it with other sources. This allows you to: - Verify evidence - Contextualize information - Find potential weaknesses [How do I assess information critically?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-assess-information-critically/) You can assess information and arguments [critically](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/critical-thinking/) by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the [CRAAP test](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/craap-test/), focusing on the **currency**, **relevance**, **authority**, **accuracy**, and **purpose** of a source of information. Ask questions such as: - **Who** is the author? Are they an expert? - **Why** did the author publish it? What is their motivation? - **How** do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence? [What is critical thinking?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-critical-thinking/) [Critical thinking](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/critical-thinking/) refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own. Like [information literacy](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/information-literacy/), it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas. [How do I find scholarly sources?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-find-scholarly-sources/) It is important to find [credible sources](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/) and use those that you can be sure are sufficiently [scholarly](https://www.scribbr.com/category/working-with-sources/). - Consult your institute’s library to find out what books, journals, research databases, and other [types of sources](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/types-of-sources/) they provide access to. - Look for books published by respected academic publishing houses and university presses, as these are typically considered trustworthy sources. - Look for journals that use a [peer review](https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/peer-review/) process. This means that experts in the field assess the quality and credibility of an article before it is published. [What are the main types of sources cited in academic research?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-the-main-types-of-sources-cited-in-academic-research/) In academic writing, the sources you cite should be [credible](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/) and scholarly. Some of the main [types of sources](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/types-of-sources/) used are: - **Academic journals:** These are the most up-to-date sources in academia. They are published more frequently than books and provide cutting-edge research. - **Books:** These are great sources to use, as they are typically written by experts and provide an extensive overview and analysis of a specific topic. [What is the difference between a scholarly and a popular source?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/scholarly-vs-popular-source/) [**Scholarly sources**](https://www.scribbr.com/category/working-with-sources/) are written by experts in their field and are typically subjected to [peer review](https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/peer-review/). They are intended for a scholarly audience, include a full bibliography, and use scholarly or technical language. For these reasons, they are typically considered [credible sources](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/). **Popular sources** like magazines and news articles are typically written by journalists. These [types of sources](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/types-of-sources/) usually don’t include a bibliography and are written for a popular, rather than academic, audience. They are not always reliable and may be written from a biased or uninformed perspective, but they can still be [cited](https://www.scribbr.com/category/citing-sources/) in some contexts. [How do I tell if a source is tertiary?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-tell-if-a-source-is-tertiary/) What constitutes a [tertiary source](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/tertiary-sources/) depends on your [research question](https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/) and how you use the source. To determine whether a source is tertiary, ask: - Am I examining the source itself, or am I using it for background information? - Does the source provide original information ([primary](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/primary-and-secondary-sources/#what-is-a-primary-source)) or analyze information from other sources ([secondary](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/primary-and-secondary-sources/#what-is-a-secondary-source))? Or does it consolidate information from other sources (tertiary)? [How do I search research databases efficiently?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-search-databases/) When searching for sources in databases, think of specific keywords that are relevant to your [topic](https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/dissertation-topic/), and consider variations on them or synonyms that might be relevant. Once you have a clear idea of your research parameters and key terms, choose a database that is relevant to your research (e.g., Medline, JSTOR, Project MUSE). Find out if the database has a “subject search” option. This can help to refine your search. Use [Boolean operators](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/boolean-operators/) to combine your keywords, exclude specific search terms, and search exact phrases to find the most relevant sources. [What are proximity operators and how do I use them?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-proximity-operators/) [Proximity operators](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/boolean-operators/#proximity-operators) are specific words used alongside your chosen keywords that let you specify the proximity of one keyword in relation to another. The most common proximity operators include **NEAR** (**N_x_**), **WITHIN** (**W_x_**), and **SENTENCE**. Each proximity operator has a unique function. For example, **N_x_** allows you to find sources that contain the specified keywords within a set number of words (_x_) of each other. [What are Boolean operators and how do I use them?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-boolean-operators/) [Boolean operators](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/boolean-operators/) are specific words and symbols that you can use to expand or narrow your search parameters when using a database or search engine. The most common Boolean operators are **AND**, **OR**, **NOT** or **AND NOT**, [quotation marks](https://www.scribbr.com/language-rules/quotation-marks/) **“”**, [parentheses](https://www.scribbr.com/language-rules/parentheses/) **()**, and asterisks **\***. Each Boolean operator has a unique function. For example, the Boolean operator **AND** will provide search results containing both/all of your keywords. [What is a Boolean search?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-a-boolean-search/) A Boolean search uses specific words and symbols known as [Boolean operators](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/boolean-operators/) (e.g., **AND**, **OR**) alongside keywords to limit or expand search results. Boolean searches allow you to: - Prioritize keywords - Exclude keywords - Search exact keywords - Search variations of your keywords [What is the CRAAP test?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-the-craap-test/) The [CRAAP test](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/craap-test/) is an acronym to help you evaluate the [credibility](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/) of a source you are considering using. It is an important component of [information literacy](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/information-literacy/). The CRAAP test has five main components: - **Currency:** Is the source up to date? - **Relevance:** Is the source relevant to your research? - **Authority:** Where is the source published? Who is the author? Are they considered reputable and trustworthy in their field? - **Accuracy:** Is the source supported by evidence? Are the claims cited correctly? - **Purpose:** What was the motive behind publishing this source? [How long is a summary?](https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-is-a-summary/) A summary is always much shorter than the original text. The length of a summary can range from just a few sentences to several paragraphs; it depends on the length of the article you’re summarizing, and on the purpose of the summary. **Tip:** Want to create a summary in a matter of seconds? [Try our free text summarizer!](https://www.scribbr.com/text-summarizer) You can also easily adjust the lenght of your summary within the tool. We also recommend trying QuillBot’s [Word Counter](https://quillbot.com/word-counter) to track the word count of your essays and other helpful metrics.