It is important to evaluate primary, secondary and tertiary sources for accuracy, bias and usefulness. All works should be viewed through the eyes of the creator.
Considering the following questions will help determine the authenticity of the source, as well as any bias present:
- Who created the source? How do they know the details such as names, dates and times? Were they present at the event? Is the information based on personal experience, reports written by others, or data?
- How accurate is the source when compared to others (first-hand and second-hand accounts)?
- How trustworthy is the source? Has it been edited? How and why did it survive?
- Why and when was the source created? Why was it later published? Was it ever intended for publication?
- What is the bias in the source? All documents are biased to some extent. Is the bias purposeful or accidental?
Link to Univ of South Australia
