Final answer:
To ascertain if a source is relevant to research, one must summarize its central idea, evaluate the credibility and bias, reflect on its influence, and establish its context by exploring the author's credentials and corroborating information.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if a source is relevant to your research, you should perform a few critical steps. Initially, summarize the central idea or scope of the source to ascertain its connection to your research project. Next, evaluate the source's credibility, which includes checking the author's perspective, the reliability and validity of the information presented, and examining any potential bias. Additionally, you need to reflect on how the inclusion of the source might influence your research and shape your thinking. Asking questions about the intended audience and the purpose of the source can also provide insight into its relevance. Finally, it is essential to consider the source's context, investigating the author, their credentials, and ensuring that the information is corroborated by other reputable sources or fits into the broader scholarly narrative.