Who is the publisher? For books, is it a university press or a commercial publisher? These types of publishers use editors in order to ensure a quality publication.
For journals or magazines, can you tell if it is popular or scholarly in nature? See: Peer-reviewed, popular magazine, or journal? For websites, is it an organizational website, or a personal blog? Accuracy and reliability Is the information well researched? Are there references e. If the source includes facts or statistical data, can this information be verified in another source? If the data was gathered using original research such as polling or surveys , what was the method of data collection?
Has the author disclosed the validity or reliability of the data? Currency and timeliness When was the information published? For books and articles - you should be able to easily verify the publication date. 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 the links functional? Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Who is the intended audience? Is the information at an appropriate level i. Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper? Are they experts in the field of information you are researching? Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
Is the information part of the main web page or is it a separate document? Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
Are there limitations? Is the information at an appropriate level not too elementary or advanced for your needs? Is the information designed for a specific audience? Who is the intended audience? Is the information relevant to your information need? Can you use it? Is your topic one that is likely to have had significant changes since the source was published? Do you need current information or a historical perspective?
Where was the information published? Does it focus on a specific part of the world or region? Why was the information published? Does the source show political or cultural bias? How is the information organized? Does it have graphs, charts, glossaries, or illustrations to help explain or augment the information?
Evaluate the Information Content Itself Finally, after you have read through a book, an article, or other publication, you should be able to answer questions about the type and quality of information that it gives.
Does the source contain the information you need? See Definining your Information Need Does it report primary research e. Is there documentation of other works used bibliography, footnotes, references, etc.
What is the author's thesis? What are the main points or concepts? What facts or opinions are presented? Is more than one point of view presented? What are the major findings or conclusions, and are they supported by the facts or arguments?
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