Consider the following when evaluating sources:
Currency
- When was it written/created?
- Has it been updated?
- Is the info current enough for your purposes?
- Do the assignment instructions specify how current your sources must be?
TIP: Currency depends on your context. For example, if you are looking for literary criticism, currency may not be very important. However, if you are looking for info about how organ donations work in our current society, you will want up-to-date info.
Relevance
- Is the resource relevant to your topic?
- Does the resource meet the parameters of your assignment?
TIP: Reference your assignment instructions frequently – you want to ensure you are selecting sources that meet the requirements of your assignment.
Authority / Credibility / Reliability
- Who is the author(s)?
- What about the publisher, journal, or website owner?
- What are the author(s)’ credentials? What makes them qualified to write on this topic?
TIP: Google is your friend here. See what a quick Google search might tell you about the author(s) and publisher, journal, or website owner.
Accuracy / Validity
- Do other sources say the same thing?
- What supporting evidence (e.g., references) is provided?
Purpose
- Why was this source created?
- Who is the intended audience?
Objectivity
- Is there balanced coverage, where all aspects of the subject are discussed to the same level of detail?
- Are any assumptions or opinions made without supporting evidence?
- What are the author(s) affiliations? Is it possible that political viewpoints and/or religious beliefs might affect their objectivity?