How to Evaluate Information

An information source itself - whether it be a book, a journal article, a Web page or something else, gives you a lot of clues. First, think about what kind of information you need. Do you need facts, opinions, arguments, descriptions, statistics, etc.? Do you need scholarly information or will a more popular source suit you?

Next, look carefully at who wrote the information, what kind of content it contains, when it was created, where or for whom it was published, and why it was produced. This will help you to determine whether information that you find matches what you need, and is credible, accurate and appropriate, reasonable and supported.

Credibility
Look for: trustworthy source, author's credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support.

Accuracy + Appropriateness
Look for: up to date, factual, detailed, exact, comprehensive, audience and purpose appropriate to information need.

Reasonableness
Look for: fair, balanced, objective, reasoned, no conflict of interest, absence of fallacies or slanted tone.

Support
Look for: listed sources, contact information, available corroboration, claims supported, documentation supplied.

Adapted from: Harris, Robert. "Evaluating Internet Research Sources." Home Page. 17 Nov. 1997. Vanguard University. 5 June 2000 "http://www.vanguard.edu/rharris/evalu8it.htm".

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