Ask yourself:
- Do the authors seem qualified?
- Is the material current? For textbooks, make sure you have the latest edition. For websites, check when they were last updated. Medicine is constantly changing, so avoid using anything that seems outdated or is more than 10 years old.
- Is their work well researched? Are their sources credible?
- Does their work seem biased? Do they present a fair, well-researched and well-developed point of view?
If you are unsure about a source, ask for help or avoid using it altogether.
Common sources to avoid when researching
Wikipedia
As this online encyclopaedia can be edited by members of the general public, do not use it as a primary source. You can use it to ‘brush up’ on your understanding of a particular subject and use its references as a starting point, but it is not to be considered a primary source.
Animal breeding forums
These websites are generally used to express the opinions of breeders or to give advice. While they may be useful guides, the websites have very little credibility and can include misleading or unsubstantiated information. If you find something that you really wish to include, find another credible source with the same information, or ask your qualified supervisor whether the information is correct, and use their quote as your source instead.
Social media websites, including Facebook, Yahoo Answers, Answers.com, etc
These websites pose the same issues as Wikipedia. Anyone can write anything without having substantial knowledge or expertise, and these websites are often used to share opinions and unsubstantiated information. As a general guide, these sources should be avoided altogether. A user can claim to be an expert, but you cannot verify their credibility.
Websites selling Assignment Services
Any websites that sell or share academic work that has not been peer-reviewed and cannot be determined as credible, e.g. Essay Mania, All Free Essays, etc. These websites commonly commit plagiarism by sharing the work of students, and you could get into trouble for using their material. They are not peer-reviewed, they run by selling their material, they are not well respected and their purpose is to make a profit rather than to increase their users’ knowledge.
Crowd-sourcing
These sources rely on obtaining information from a number of people, typically via the Internet. They do not rely on the substantiated, peer-reviewed opinion of a qualified professional, and often include the opinions of people who are not experts on the subject.
The advice, knowledge or opinion of an individual who does not have experience or expertise in a particular area.
If you have a question about a veterinary surgical procedure, you would ask a veterinarian. The same applies to your studies. If you have a veterinary-related question, do not ask your family, friends or neighbours (unless they have relevant expertise).