What Is a “Good” Source?

There are four main questions to ask when judging what is and is not a “good” source:

1. Who wrote it?
2. How does the author support his or her ideas?
3. When was it written?
4. How in-depth is the material?

Who Wrote It?

Do a little research about the author(s). In most books and articles, there will be a short biography of the author(s) included somewhere in the text (usually in the preface or introduction)—use this to identify the educational and experiential expertise of the author(s). Pay attention to the background of the author(s), as well as what company he or she is publishing under. For example, if an author has neither an advanced degree nor extensive experience in his or her field, is he or she likely to be an authoritative source? As another example, if you are looking for an authoritative source on the Catholic view of baptism, it would be beneficial to look at sources published by Catholic publishers (e.g., Paulist Press).

How Does the Author Support His or Her Ideas?

Check the author’s bibliography and see how many sources he or she used. A reliable academic source will have a fairly substantial list of sources, and many will also include a list of “further reading” (good sources for more information on the topic!). Check to make sure the author is using reliable and reputable sources.

As you read through the content of the source, does the author support his or her ideas with the sources listed in the bibliography, or are there a number of unsubstantiated claims? Does the author respectfully engage with multiple perspectives on the topic?

On a more basic level, does the author’s argumentation make sense? Even if you may not agree with what he or she is saying, it is good to note whether or not the author is following a logical train of thought. Similarly, does the author demonstrate an adequate grasp of basic facts? For example, if the author is operating under the assumption that the Bible was written in AD 1900, do you really trust what he or she has to say on more advanced topics?

When Was It Written?

The currency of a source varies in importance depending on one’s field of study. In theology, scholarship retains its value over time. For example, although F. F. Bruce is no longer living, his writings are unquestionably an important contribution to theology. However, for a theological source, you do want to think about the research that has occurred since it was written. For example, if researching first century Judaism, a source written in the 1940s would not include more recent scholarship on important archeological finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Additionally, if you are looking for a source on theology in contemporary culture, you want to be sure that the source addresses current culture. An older source will not be as culturally relevant as newer scholarship.

While currency is not necessarily a concern for theological sources, it is for counseling sources. The fields of counseling and psychology are growing and evolving quickly—new research is always being published. For these fields, it is wise to look for current research (within the last 5–10 years), as older research may be outdated. Look for the newest editions of textbooks and reference books as well.

How In-Depth is the Material?

Look for sources that spend a significant amount of time discussing your topic. Sources that briefly mention your topic are not as helpful as those that have an entire section or chapter (or even book!) dedicated to what you are researching.