Evaluating Information
Critically examine and evaluate all information.

As you critically evaluate the information you’ve found, consider the usefulness and relevance of the information. 

Consider the Source
Consider the source of the information.

Be wary of information on the Web.  Virtually anyone can post anything on the Internet, and information on the Web is more likely to be questionable and/or erroneous than that found in traditionally-edited print resources. Generally, the more stringent the editing/publishing process, the greater your assurance that the information is credible and authoritative.  In simple terms, that means that information in a magazine, newspaper, journal, or book that has undergone multiple reviews prior to publication is more likely to be credible than information on a Web page.

Don’t kid yourself—it is unlikely that a screen of information on a web page will provide the same quality or depth of information as that in a scholarly book of 250 pages or even a periodical article of 3 or 4 pages.

About the Author
To look for critical, professional, or biographical information about the author, check resources like Contemporary Authors, Literary Reference Center and Wilson Biographies Plus Illustrated.   Although a simple web search may yield a considerable amount of information about a writer, keep in mind that information on the web may be a form of commercial advertising and/or self-promotion.    

Critical Evaluation
It is your responsibility as a researcher to critically evaluate the resources you refer to in your work and to cite resources correctly. 

When evaluating your resources, consider these factors: 

Accuracy 

• Is the information reliable, correct, and complete? Can this information be verified or confirmed in another reputable source?
• Is the information considered to be technically accurate?  Is the research method clearly stated?  How many studies were undertaken and in what time period(s)?  Is the research method appropriate? 
• Has the author’s research been replicated?  How does this work compare to other studies?  Have others disagreed with the methodology, results, or conclusions of this work?
• Is supporting evidence given?  Are references clearly documented in footnotes?  Is there a bibliography?  Does the author cite other scholarly or professional sources?  Is the supporting evidence credible?  Are references timely?

Authority 

• Is the information credible and authoritative? 

• What are the credentials (education, experience, institutional affiliations, awards) and reputation of the author?

• In what sort of publication does this information appear?  How reputable is this source?  Do the author and publisher or website have a reputation for producing high quality information?  Is the publication juried, peer reviewed, refereed, or carefully edited? 

• Do others cite this work to support their research?

Objectivity 

• Is the information unbiased, impartial, non-prejudicial?  

• What is the author’s point of view?  Is the author objective, or does s/he have a political, financial, or social agenda?  What are the author’s underlying assumptions?  Can you discern an authorial bias or an editorial stance?

• Who sponsored the research?  Does the funding source, site of the research, or the publisher suggest a political, financial, or social agenda?

• Who benefits from the author’s arguments and/or conclusions?

Currency 

• Is the information up-to-date and timely? How old is the information? What is the date of publication?

• Is the time period in which the information was generated appropriate to your information need?

Coverage 

• What is the scope of the work?  

• What is the depth of coverage? 

• Who is the intended audience?  Are the style and vocabulary of the work appropriate for the intended audience and purpose? 

• Are the scope, depth, and intended audience appropriate to college-level research?

How to Evaluate the Information Sources You Find presents an overview of the Critical Evaluation Process from the Olin*Kroch*Uris Libraries of Cornell University

For evaluating Internet resources, consult Evaluation Criteria--A checklist of criteria for evaluating Web resources from Susan Beck's The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: or, Why It's a Good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources

Get help via IM, email (Reference_Services@Shawnee.edu), or by phoning (740.351.3321).  

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, stop by the Clark Memorial Library Reference Counter or schedule a Research Consultation with a Reference Librarian.