Skip to Main Content
U N T Established 1890 U N T

University Libraries

 

Business Research Basics

Introduction to conducting business research at UNT Libraries

Take the C.R.A.P. Test

When evaluating resources, consider if its news or scholarship and take the C.R.A.P. Test -- Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Point of View.

CURRENCY:

  • Modern, historical, timeless
  • New event, historical precedence
  • Do they even provide a date?

RELIABILITY:

  • Just someone's OPINION
  • Bias, agenda, perspective
  • Transparency
  • Author provide citations for quotes or data?

AUTHORITY:

  • Who wrote/created it?
  • Credentials, i.e. author's education, experience, affiliation? 
  • Who is the publisher, university, think tank...?
  • Does their experience match their topic?

POINT OF VIEW:

  • Article's intent, i.e., to sell or persuade.
  • What is the web domain, i.e. .gov, .com. .org., .edu.
  • Are there ads present?
  • Is the author presenting fact or opinion?

Key Business Magazines & Trade Publications

Following are a few, but not all, authoritative business magazines:

  • Adweek
  • Bloomberg Businessweek
  • Consumer Reports
  • The Economist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Fast Company
  • Forbes
  • Fortune
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Inc.
  • Money
  • WIRED

News vs. Scholarly Articles: Understanding the Difference

Evaluating different types of resources:

  • Scholarly/Peer Reviewed Article: written, read and sometimes evaluated by experts in their field. The purpose of a 
  • scholarly article is to inform and report on research in a specific discipline.
  • Trade Publication: provide information for individuals in a specific industry or field
  • Substantive News: provide information to inform or educate the general public on a particular issue or topic. 
  • Popular News: reflect on popular culture of the time and often bring an entertainment value
  • Sensational News: intends to incite emotions, interest or reactions. Sensational news is typically inaccurate.

Content adapted from Olin Library at Cornell University and CSU, Chico 

Additional Links

UNT: Apply now UNT: Schedule a tour UNT: Get more info about the University of North Texas

UNT: Disclaimer | UNT: AA/EOE/ADA | UNT: Privacy | UNT: Electronic Accessibility | UNT: Required Links | UNT: UNT Home

top