Author Qualifications

Determining the credibility of an author is important to the overall value of your research. Doing background research to gain understanding of who wrote the material, and if they are qualified to do so, is taking the necessary steps to being a responsible researcher. This section will help you ask the right questions before you use someone else’s data to support your work.

 There are several questions that should be considered before you decide to reference an author.

• Who wrote the material?
• What qualifies them to do so?
• Do they have a degree?
• Is the degree in the field of research?
• Have they published other works?
• Is their work reviewed by other scholars?
• Where do they work?
• Do they have other relevant experience?