The Research Process - Evaluation

Before using resources within a paper or production, evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the information by considering:

• Does the author carry credentials? (training, education, background experience). Is the author associated with an institute of higher learning?
• Sponsor - Who is sponsoring the cost of presenting the information? Is it an educational (.edu), non-profit (.org) or business (.com) organization? Is contact information provided?
• Visual Layout - Is the format pleasing and text-based rather than full of advertising or outlandish graphics?
• Purpose - What audience is the author trying to reach? Is the purpose to educate and inform or persuade and entertain?
• Currency - Is the information up-to-date? Might additional information supersede the accuracy of the material?
• Point of View/Objectivity - Is the author presenting both sides of an issue or only using the resource as a means of persuasion? Is the tone academic or emotional and extreme?
• Support - Does the author provide a bibliography and/or footnotes? Are the citations current?

Learn more about determining the reliability of information at the following websites:

http://www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/evaluating.htm

http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill26.htm