Criteria | Questions to Ask |
Authority / Credibility |
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Accuracy |
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Scope / Relevance |
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Currency / Date Some written works are ageless (e.g., classic literature) while others (e.g., technological news) become outdated quickly. It is important to determine if currency is pertinent to your research. |
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Objectivity / Bias / Reliability Every author has an opinion. Recognizing this is instrumental in determining if the information presented is objective or biased. |
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Style / Functionality |
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Who wrote it, for whom, and why?
How does this source compare with the other possible sources I have found? In what ways is it similar and different?
What’s unique about this source? What does the article/source say - offer - that other sources do not?
Does it add a new voice? Additional details? New reasons? Alternative points of view? Explanations or interpretations?
What is the author's intention/purpose? What is his or her perspective on the given topic?
Select the minimum required sources plus 1-2.
Evaluate the relative usefulness of sources in context of your topic and its subtopics. For each subtopic, record brief comments about what each source adds to your understanding of the topic.