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Analyze any necessary contexts, assumptions, and perspectives when inspecting previous research and positions on your hypothesis.

Step 4: Evaluate the information you have & its relevance to your topic.

When you get to this stage in your research, it's absolutely necessary to utilize the CRAAP method, which stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.

Making the specific distinction between peer-reviewed and popular literature lends authority to your research-- and to your paper. Typically, peer-reviewed sources are also more likely to be accurate (reflected by their references provided at the end of the paper) and serve a similar academic purpose that you are trying to achieve.

Understaning the differences between primary and secondary sources is also paramount to you ultimately utilizing your sources for developing a thesis into an expanded paper. Distinguishing between these nuances in your sources can strengthen your argument even further.

If you're still stuck on this step, check out these videos!

Evaluating Sources
Peer Reviewed vs. Popular Literature
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
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