This document provides guidance for evaluating information sources based on their authority, currency, content, accuracy, and potential bias. It advises assessing the expertise and reputation of authors, when the information was published, whether the content is relevant and comprehensive for the topic, if the facts can be verified or corroborated by other experts, and if the author or publisher has a vested interest that could introduce bias. In 3 sentences or less, it outlines key criteria for evaluating the reliability and trustworthiness of an information source.
2. Authority
Who are the authors?
Are they an expert in their field?
Have they written other articles/books?
Have they been cited by other authors?
Who is the publisher?
3. Currency
When was it published?
Is the publication date right for your need?
How old is the information cited?
Do you need historical or
current information?
4. Content
Is it relevant?
Who is the target audience?
Is it written in academic language?
Does is cover all aspects of the topic?
Is it written as fact, satire or comedy?
5. Accuracy
Did your lecturer recommend it?
Can the information be verified?
Is it free of spelling & factual errors?
Does it correctly cite other
sources?
Do other experts
agree?
6. Bias
Is the author connected
with an organisation?
Was the research sponsored by an
organisation?
Is the author trying to sell something?
Do other authors agree with the results?
