Evaluating Sources

Criteria

Questions to Ask

urrency

• When was the source written and published?
  • Remember that while recent information is often considered more useful, sometimes older sources can be more comprehensive or authoritative.
• Has the information been updated recently?
  • Look for a "Last Updated" note at the bottom of the page (website) or check the copyright page for the date of publication (book).
• Is currency pertinent to your research?

elevance

• Does the source cover your research topic comprehensively or only cover one aspect?
• To what extent does the source answer your research question?
• Is the terminology and language used easy to understand?
• Does the source meet the requirements of your research assignment?

uthority
 

• Who is the author (person, company, or organization)? Who else cites or refers to this source or author?
• Does the source provide any information that leads you to believe the author is credible or an expert on the topic?
  • Look for an "About" (website), a byline (article), or entry on a "List of contributors" (book or journal).
• What are the credentials or reputations of the author, publisher, and/or sponsoring organization?
  • Ask a librarian or professor familiar with the subject.
  • Check the library catalog, research databases, or the free Web to see what else the author or organization has published.
  • Consider the audience, and check to see if the source is scholarly and/or peer-reviewed.
• Can you describe the author's background (experience, education, knowledge)?
• Does the author provide citations? Do you think they are reputable?

ccuracy

• Can facts or statistics be verified through another source?
• Based on your knowledge, does the information seem accurate?
  • Verify information by checking other sources.
• Does it provide enough information?
• Is the information or source of a high quality? Is it appropriate for an academic research project?

urpose

• What is the purpose or motive for the source (educational, commercial, entertainment, promotional, etc.)?
  • Check the web domain (.edu, .com, .org, .gov).
  • Check the "About Us" or "Mission" links (website).
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the author pretending to be objective, but really trying to persuade, promote or sell something?
• Is there bias or slant to how the information is presented?
  • Check with a professor, librarian, or even search the web to see what others say about potential bias.
  • Consider whether the bias or viewpoint affects the usefulness of the information for your project. (In some cases, a biased source may be ok, if you acknowledge or present that bias in your writing.)