Guide to Plagiarism, Research and Referencing

RELIABLE SOURCES OF INFORMATION

What is an Acceptable Source?

When researching, it is essential to use credible and reliable sources to ensure that the information you rely on is accurate, unbiased, and up to date. Not all sources are trustworthy—some may be based on opinions, outdated information, or designed to sell products rather than educate.

Checklist for Evaluating a Source

Use the following five key questions to determine whether a source is acceptable:

  1. Authority – Who wrote it?

    Is the source written by an expert in the field?
    Does the author have relevant qualifications or experience?
  2. Value – Is it educational?

    Does the source aim to advance knowledge and educate its audience?
    Does it provide useful and factual information?
  3. Purpose – Why was it created?

    Is the purpose of the source to inform and educate?
    Or is it trying to sell something or push an opinion?
  4. Originality – Is it from the original source?

    Has the information been directly sourced from experts?
    If it has been paraphrased from another source, has the meaning changed?
    Always go to the original source
    where possible.
  5. Quality – Is it respected in the field?

    Is the source peer-reviewed or published by a reputable organisation?
    Is it widely recognised as reliable within the industry?

Using the SEER Rubric for Source Evaluation

A valuable tool for determining source credibility is the Source Educational Evaluation Rubric (SEER). This rubric allows you to rate a source based on multiple factors.

You can download the SEER rubric here: SEER Rubric by Turnitin

When using SEER, a score below 2.0 indicates an unreliable source that should not be used.

Examples of Acceptable Sources

✅ Reliable and Credible Sources

  • Google Scholar – A search engine for academic and peer-reviewed research.
  • Scientific Journals – e.g.
    • The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
    • The New Zealand Veterinary Journal
  • Credible, high-quality textbooks – e.g.
    • Lumb & Jones’ Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia

⚠️ Use With Caution

  • Professional Associations and Industry Groups – Some breed registries, training organisations, and industry bodies publish useful guides, but they may not always be research-backed.
  • Wikipedia – While useful for background information, it is not always accurate or peer-reviewed.
  • Websites in general – These may contain biased, misleading, or unverified claims.
  • Professionals in the Field – Veterinarians, qualified veterinary nurses, animal welfare specialists, and experienced zookeepers – may provide opinions that may not be backed up by scientific research.
  • Marketing materials or product websites – These often prioritise sales over scientific accuracy.
  • Self-Published Books or eBooks – Unless written by a recognised expert and fact-checked, they are not always reliable.
  • News Articles and Media Outlets – While some reputable media sources report on scientific findings, always trace back to the original research.

❌ Unacceptable Sources

  • Personal blogs, opinion articles, or unverified forums.
  • Outdated sources – Ensure information is recent and still relevant to best practices.
  • Online Q&A Platforms (e.g. Quora, Reddit, forums) – These are opinion-based and often contain misleading or unverified information.
  • YouTube, TikTok, or Other Social Media Accounts – Unless content comes from a verified expert or organisation, avoid using social media as a source.

Why Using Reliable Sources Matters

Using credible sources ensures your work is based on facts, not opinions. This is essential in any animal care role, whether in a clinic, shelter, zoo, pet shop, or grooming salon. It allows you to:

Give accurate advice to pet owners and colleagues.
Make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.
Improve animal welfare and care standards using the latest research.

By carefully selecting your sources, you ensure your work is trustworthy, professional, and evidence-based.