Evaluating Information

Consider these questions as you evaluate sources of information, especially freely-available web resources.Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.

The source of the information.

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• Does the website URL reveal anything about the author or source (.com, .edu, .gov)?

The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
• Are links in the website functional?

The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

The value of the information for your needs.

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (not too elementary or advanced)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing the source in your research paper?

The reason the information exists.

• Is the purpose to inform, teach, sell, entertain, persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?