How can you determine the scope of a secondary source?

1 Check the title and abstract

The title and abstract of a secondary source can give you a quick overview of its main focus, purpose, and argument. They can also indicate the level of detail, breadth, and depth of the analysis. Look for keywords, phrases, or questions that relate to your research question, and see if the source addresses them directly or indirectly. If the title and abstract are too vague, broad, or unrelated to your topic, you may want to skip the source or use it only for background information.

2 Examine the introduction and conclusion

The introduction and conclusion of a secondary source can reveal more details about its scope, such as the research gap, the research question, the thesis statement, the main points, and the implications. They can also show you how the source relates to the existing literature, the current debates, and the future directions of the topic. Compare the introduction and conclusion of the source with your own research question and objectives, and see if they align or contradict. If the introduction and conclusion are too narrow, complex, or irrelevant to your topic, you may want to look for another source or use it only for specific aspects.

3 Scan the headings and subheadings

The headings and subheadings of a secondary source can give you a clear outline of its structure, content, and logic. They can also help you identify the main themes, arguments, and evidence that the source covers. Look for headings and subheadings that match or complement your research question, and see if they provide sufficient, relevant, and reliable information. If the headings and subheadings are too general, specific, or inconsistent with your topic, you may want to skip the source or use it only for certain sections.

4 Review the references and citations

The references and citations of a secondary source can tell you a lot about its scope, such as the sources that it builds on, the sources that it challenges, the sources that it supports, and the sources that it ignores. They can also help you evaluate the credibility, currency, and diversity of the source. Look for references and citations that are authoritative, up-to-date, and varied, and see if they reflect the current state of knowledge and debate on the topic. If the references and citations are outdated, biased, or limited, you may want to question the source or use it with caution.

5 Compare with other sources

The scope of a secondary source can also be determined by comparing it with other sources on the same or similar topic. You can compare the sources in terms of their focus, approach, perspective, evidence, argument, and conclusion. You can also look for similarities, differences, gaps, or contradictions among the sources. Comparing sources can help you gain a broader and deeper understanding of the topic, and also help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of each source. If a source is too similar, different, or isolated from other sources, you may want to verify, challenge, or supplement it with more sources.

6 Ask critical questions

To assess the scope, quality, and reliability of a secondary source, it is important to ask critical questions about it. These questions should focus on the main research question or problem addressed, the main argument or claim made, the evidence or support provided, any assumptions or limitations, and the implications or contributions. Answering these questions can help you synthesize and integrate the source into your own research. However, if a source does not answer your questions clearly, convincingly, or consistently, you may need to look for more sources or revise your research question.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?