It is important to evaluate sources for quality and credibility before using them in your research or assignment. Asking the following questions will help you evaluate the sources you gather.
Authority
What makes the author(s) an authority on this subject?
Does the author cite their experience/credentials?
Is there any way to contact the author?
Where did the article appear? Who is responsible for the information presented?
Is the publication scholarly or peer-reviewed?
Is the material taken from other sources fully credited?
Scope, Coverage, and Relevance
Who is the intended audience?
Are the content and level appropriate for your assignment?
What time period is covered?
What geographical area is covered?
Is the information a subset of a more comprehensive source? If so, who abridged it?
Bias and Accuracy
How is the information presented? (fact, opinion, propaganda)
If presented as fact, is it accurate? Can you find other sources verifying claims?
Is there a bias? (cultural, political, religious) If so, is the bias clearly stated?
Currency or Timeliness
How recent is the information? Is it important that the information is up-to-date? (technology, medicine, science)
Is some of the information obviously out-of-date? Too old for your needs?
Quality
Did it use accepted methodologies for its field?
Is the information clearlywritten?
Is the information presented in an organized manner? Do the links work?
Does the author agree or disagree with most other scholars in the field?
Commercialism
Is the presenter trying to sell something? (product, philosophy, their self)
Does the article or website have a corporate sponsor?
