LibAnswers

When conducting research, you will encounter information from many different sources. Assessing the quality and content of those sources is crucial, especially when you are using them in an academic or professional setting.

For in-depth help finding and evaluating sources, visit our Research Guides. Here are six criteria you should use to evaluate the sources you find.

Currency

When considering the currency of a source, ask yourself:

• 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 all of the links functional?

Reliability

When considering the reliability of a source, ask yourself:

• What kind of information is included in the website?
• Based on other research, is this information accurate and complete?
• Is the content fact-based or opinion-based?
• Is the information balanced or biased?
• Does the author provide references for quotations and data?
   

Authority

When considering the authority of a source, ask yourself:

• Can you determine who the author/creator/source is?
• Is there a way to contact them?
• What are their credentials (education, affiliation, experience, etc.)?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• Who is the publisher or sponsor of the site?
• Is this publisher/sponsor reputable?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source (i.e. .com, .edu, .gov, .org, or .net)?

Accuracy

When considering the accuracy of a source, ask yourself:

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose

When considering the purpose of a source, ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
• What is the domain (.edu, .org, .com, etc)? How might that influence the purpose/point of view?
• Are there ads on the website? How do they relate to the topic being covered (e.g., an ad for ammunition next to an article about firearms legislation)?
• Is the author presenting fact, or opinion?
• Who might benefit from a reader believing this website?
• Based on the writing style, who is the intended audience?

Skew

When considering the skew of a source, ask yourself:

• Is the topic controversial?
• Is the publisher considered hyper-partisan (e.g., Patribiotics, InfoWars, etc)?
• Does the author have a vested interest in the outcome of the research (e.g., a study about hydration paid for by a beverage company)?

In this step, you must also assess your own bias.

• Do you have strong feelings about this topic?
• Do you either strongly agree or strongly disagree with the conclusions?
• Is your personal opinion coloring your interpretation of the content?

If you have further questions about evaluating sources, contact a librarian via chat or at libref@beloit.edu.