Research in all of the disciplines - whether in the arts, humanities, social sciences, or sciences - will require the ability to distinguish between primary and secondary sources of information and material
S - STOP. Is this a new and unfamiliar source?
I - INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE. What can you find out about it elsewhere?
F - FIND TRUSTED COVERAGE. Is a known, reliable source covering this topic?
T - TRACE BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SOURCE. Can you find the origin of this information?
(Adapted from Mike Caufield's Check, Please! Starter Course)