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Introduction

In this era when anyone can write and publish anything, thinking critically about what you read is vital. Does the article make sense?  Is there a bias towards one viewpoint or does the reporting seek to address multiple vies or sides of the issue?  How does the source report the facts, are they sensationalized or distorted? 

The goal of this guide is to help you understand the information cycle (what may be published and when) and to give tips to evaluate what you read. 

Put it to the Test

Use the criteria listed below to efficiently identify and evaluate information resources.

Accuracy or Credibility 

  • Is the information provided based on proven facts?
  • Is it published in a scholarly or peer-reviewed publication?
  • Have you found similar information in a scholarly or peer-reviewed publication? 

Author or Authority 

  • Who is the author?
  • Is the author affiliated with a reputable university or organizations? 
  • What is the author's educational background or experience? 
  • What is their area of expertise? 
  • Does the author/publisher provide contact information?

Coverage or Relevance

  • Does the information covered meet your information needs?
  • Is the coverage basic or comprehensive? 
  • Is there an "About Us" link that explains subject coverage?
  • How relevant is it to your research interests? 

Currency

  • When was the information published? 
  • When was the website last updated? 
  • Is timeliness important to your information needs?

Objectivity or Bias

  • How objective or biased is the information?
  • What do you know about who is publishing this information?
  • Is there a political, social, or commercial agenda? 
  • Does the information try to inform or persuade?
  • How balanced is the presentation or opposing perspectives? 
  • What is the tone of language used? (angry, sarcastic, balanced, educated)

Sources or Documentation 

  • Is there a list of references or works cited?
  • Is there a bibliography? 
  • Is there information provided to support statements of fact? 
  • Can you contact the author to ask for and receive the sources used?

Publication and Website Design 

  • How well designed is the website?
  • Is the information clearly focused?
  • Are the bibliographic references and links accurate, current, credible, and relevant? 
  • Are there contact addresses for the authors and publishers available from the site?