Checklist for evaluation
While reading materials for the literature review, record details of each paper systematically. It will make the writing of literature review easier.
- What was the purpose of the study and how does it differ from other studies and my own research?
- How was the research conducted?
- What were the findings and how do they differ from other studies?
- What were the limitations and weaknesses of the study?
- Any recommendations for further research?
Create something similar to the below table and add columns to make it relevant to your research project. 
Jill Collis and Roger Hussey, Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students (Palgrave Macmillan, 3rd ed, 2009) 100.
Evaluate your Search Results
- AuthorityCheck the author's and the publisher’s credentials.
- ReliabilitySearch for peer-reviewed resources, but keep in mind that not everything that is published is credible.
- RelevanceScan the abstract quickly to establish relevancy.
- CurrencyLook for the publication date and updates.
- ObjectivityLook at the justifications of findings.
- AudienceThink about the level of detail.
- AccuracyCheck the facts and references.
- ImpactCheck the citation count, even though it is not a reliable measure, it can be an indicator.
More info
Learn more about evaluating credibility by exploring the "Evaluating Sources" guide by James Cook University Library