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Evaluating Sources

Authority

  • Who is the author of the page?
  • Can you identify their qualifications for providing this information?
  • Is there contact information for the author?

Accuracy

  • Are sources provided for the information included?
  • Is the information itself verifiable from another source?

Objectivity

  • Are there signs of bias and/or subjectivity?
  • What is the purpose, to inform or pursuade?
  • Are alternative or opposing views or arguments represented?

Coverage

  • Is the material original?
  • Is it a brief summary or an in-depth report?
  • Is there an indication that the material is complete? Does it cover just a certain time period?

Other Considerations

  • Purpose: is the information there to serve as a vehicle for advertisements? Is it a platform for opinion? Is it educational?
  • Origin: is the source an educational institution, the government, or a non-profit organization?
  • Does the information provided answer my question or back up my thesis? Does it raise other relevant questions?