Information and meaning is based on context, and evaluating sources requires you to think critically about what type of information you need to answer your research question. Although there are a number of checklists that help you to evaluate sources, it is important to think of why you are choosing a source and how it contributes to your thinking on a topic.
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What? What type of article is this? Who is the intended audience? Is the information based on fact or opinion? Was it written to inform or persuade? Is there a bibliography? |
Article type (circle one):
Comments:
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When? When was this written? Some topics require current information, while other topics value both current and historical information. |
Year published: Comments:
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Who? Who is the author(s)? What type of experience or education do they have? What else have they written? Who published this article? (hint: look for a journal or publication title) |
Author(s): Affiliation: Education: Journal, magazine, or newspaper name: Comments:
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Why? Why did you choose this article? Does it help to refute or support an argument? Provide additional examples or data? Ask yourself if you chose this article simply because it confirms your previously held beliefs. Does the author make any claims that need to be further investigated? Do they list references that you can follow up on? |
Comments: |
| Currency | When was it written? Has it been updated or revised? |
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| Relevance | Who is it written for? Is it clear and easy to understand? |
| Authority | Who is the author(s)? What is their education and experience? |
| Accuracy | Is there evidence to support the information? |
| Purpose | Is the information based on fact or opinion? Is there evidence of bias? |
