When was the information published? Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work better? Has the information been updated?
- Example: Current treatments in cancer research: Finding the most recent information is best.
- Example: Reaction of American music critics to The Beatles: Need articles written at the time.
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Is the information at an appropriate level (for example, not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Example: Should student athletes get paid?
- Are articles about how student athletes perform academically relevant?
What information is provided about the author’s credentials? Is the author qualified in the subject area?
- Does the author have expertise in subject matter?
- Advanced degrees in field?
- University or research institution affiliation?
- Affiliation with trusted organization?
Can the information be verified in other sources? Where does the information come from? Is there a bibliography that lists the author’s sources of information?
- Example: A website reports how many undocumented workers are in the U.S.
- Where did the numbers come from?
- Are similar numbers reported in other sources?
Why does this information exist? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade? Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
- Example: Should gambling be legal in all states?
How might the perspectives differ?
Casino website
Religious organization
Government report on gambling tax revenue?
- It's not bad to have a point of view, but you should factor that into your decision of whether and how to use the information.