Learn how to evaluate sources for credibility, not just when you are doing research for college assignments, but whenever you come across a piece of information.
Currency
Relevance
Authority
Accuracy
Purpose
Currency: How recently was the website updated? Are the links on the webpage active?
Relevance: Does the information relate to your topic?
Authority: What does the URL reveal about the author or source?
Accuracy: Are there spelling issues or typos?
Purpose: Are the intentions or purpose clear? It is unbiased with impartial information? Is the domain a .com, .org, .edu or a .gov?
Currency: When was the book published? Currency varies with different disciplines. Check your assignment for requirements. Your assignment may require that books are published within the last five years.
Relevance: Who is the author? What are the author's credentials? Does the author have a PhD? Are other sources cited?
Authority: Who is the publisher? Is it self-published or published by a university press?
Accuracy: Is the information presented in the book supported by evidence?
Purpose: Who is the intended audience? Is the author writing for information, opinion, or a memoir?
Currency: When was the article published?
Relevance: Is the article peer-reviewed? Does it cover your topic? Have you looked at a variety of articles before determining which ones to use?
Authority: Is the author qualified to write on the subject?
Accuracy: Where does the information come from? Does the language and tone seem biased?
Purpose: Is the information intended for education, entertainment, or persuasion?