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?