How to Evaluate Information
Each time you come across an information source, you determine its value to your research project. Evaluating sources as you move along the research process makes research faster, helps you identify what is useful in the sources that you have, and alerts you to additional sources you will need.
To evaluate sources, ask questions. Think of these questions not so much as a list, but as a guide. As you look over each source, read not just for information, but as a critic as well. Use this as a guide for information from books, articles and websites.
Who wrote this source? What are the author's qualifications or experiences on this topic?
Who is the intended audience?
What is the purpose of this source? To give factual information? Influence opinion?
Who published or sponsored this source?
What point of view is the article taking? Do you have any information on the point of view of the author, publisher or producer?
What about the facts? Are there statistics, history, references? Any indication where these facts come from?
Is there a bibliography?
What is the date on the source? Does timeliness matter for your topic?
Is this information verifiable? Can you find other sources that offer the same facts or opinions?
What did you get that was useful from this source? What questions or issues remain after reading this source?
Is this source relevant? What makes it relevant? Just because a source is about your topic, it might not really be relevant to your argument or aspect of the topic.
