Topic

Is this relevant your essay question. 

Top tip: You don't always have to agree with what the crirtic is arguing.

Peer reviewed is when the journal article has been reviewed by fellow academics before being published

Has this source been published recently? If not is it still credible now?

Are they the leading specialist in the field? 

Top Tip: Sciences students- is the research being sponsored by a company? ( you can't really use this)

Is the research qualitive or quantative?

Qualitative Research is primarily exploratoryresearch. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations (quesdtionares and interviews)

quantitative research is the systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. (statistics) 

What approach is the article/ book taking? E.G a feminist approach.

How important is it to look through the references at the end of the article or book?