Here are some questions to guide you through the process of critical evaluation of information sources:
Authority: Who created the information?
- Who is the creator/author/source/publisher of the information? What are the author's credentials or affiliations?
- Is the author's expertise related to the subject? Are they an authority on the topic through education, experience, or expertise in the field?
- Whose voices/viewpoints are not being heard?
Accuracy: How accurate is the information?
- Was the information reviewed by others before being published? Does it contain spelling mistakes and grammatical errors?
- What citations or references support the author's claims?
- Is it fact or opinion? Do the authors leave out important facts or alternative perspectives?
Argument: What are the author's claims?
- What is the author's position?
- What reasons does the author give to support their position?
- Are there any flaws in the author's logic?
- Do you agree or disagree with the author's argument or perspective? Why?
- What is your position on this topic?
- What evidence (i.e. research) can you provide to support your position?
Self-Awareness: Check yourself
- Examine your own perspective and ensure you are seeking out information that represents alternative perspectives andworldviews.
- Ensure you are not seeking orfavouringsources that only confirm your existing beliefs (avoid confirmation bias).
- Get uncomfortable. Read from sources across the spectrum (even if you do not agree with such sources); this will help ensure you are aware of the various sides of a debate/issue.
Relevance: Does the source satisfy your information need?
- Is the information related to yourtopic? Does it help you better understand your topic?
- Is the information at an appropriate depth or level for your assignment?
Timeliness: How current is the information?
- When was the information created, published or updated?
- Is it recent enough to be relevant to your topic or discipline? Sometimes you are required to use recently published material; sometimes you must use historical documents.
