Evaluating Sources

I. BOOKS

Consider the Author

1.      Is s/he an authority on the topic?

2.      Does the author’s academic or work background relate to the book’s topic?

3.      Do other writers cite the author?

4.      What else has this author written on this or related topics?

5.      Is the author of the book really an expert on the subject or is s/he an expert in another field and expects that expertise to give weight or authority to other views?

6.      What is his/her institutional affiliation?

Consider the Book’s Content

1.      Was the book reviewed favorably?

2.      Does the review compare/contrast the book with others on the same topic?

3.      Where does the review appear?  What is the reputation of the journal? 

Consider the Publication Date

1.      Is the information in the book still accurate?

Consider the Publisher

1.      Does a reputable publisher publish the book?

II.  MAGAZINE/JOURNAL ARTICLES

These are usually more difficult to evaluate since articles are not reviewed and since biographical information may not always be available on authors.

Consider the Author

1.       Is s/he an authority on the topic?

Consider the Article’s Contents

1.       Does the author present facts or opinions?

2.      Is the article a report on research completed?

3.      Does the article have new information or does it merely summarize or repeat what is already known, familiar, or obvious?

4.      Does s/he cite or quote authorities on the topic?  Does s/he consider viewpoints opposed to his/her own?

5.      Is a discussion of the article by another writer available?

6.      Do other writers cite the article?

7.      Why was this article written?

Consider the Journal

1.      Where is the journal indexed?

2.      What is the reputation of the journal?

Consider the Publication Date

Is the information still accurate/relevant/interesting?

Consider the Readability of the Article.

1. How well written is the article?

1.      Can you read through a sequence of paragraphs without having to reread because of unclear language, wordiness, incoherence, etc.?

2.      Is the tone and language of the article appropriate?

3.      Do conclusions logically follow from the data?

4.      Does the author make the subject interesting?

5.      Can you summarize the content in one sentence?

Consider Yourself and your Research.

1.      Is this resource appropriate and/or useful for my research?

2.      What are my own biases on this subject?

3.      What are my expectations for this work?

4.      Is this work a scholarly piece of research?  (See “What is a Scholarly Journal”)

5.      Does this article give me any new information or is it just a reiteration of other articles I am utilizing?

III. WEB SITES

 Authority

1. Do you know who is the creator/author of the information?
2. Is it an individual or a group?
3. Is the creator an authority on the subject?
4. Is there an email address so you can contact the creator?

Currency

1. Is the information current?
2. Can you tell if the website has been updated recently?
3. Does your research project depend on up-to-date information?

 Accuracy

1. Is the information accurate?
2. Can you verify it?
3. Does the information agree with other research you have found?
4. Is the information free from bias? Is this "real" information or an advertisement?
5. Is it a deliberate fraud?

 Coverage

1. Is the information unique or can you find the same information many other places?
2. How valuable is the information?

Comprehensiveness

1. How comprehensive is the information?
2. Are there links to more information?

Reputation

Is the site recommended by a reputable (knowledgeable) person/publication/institution?

Audience

Who is the intended audience?                                     

  10/04--gle