Conrad N. Hilton Library
This guide presents techniques for evaluating information sources. This can help determine if a source is appropriate to use for your assignments and coursework.
Information can be easy to find online, but figuring out if it is "good" information can be difficult. We evaluate sources to check if they are reliable, factual, valid, objective, and trustworthy. It is your right and your responsibility to critically evaluate all information sources that you rely on to create your own original work.
ASK:
WHO? - Authority - Who is the author or creator; what is their background and qualifications? Can you identify a writer or creator? Is the creator an individual, an organization, or a company?
WHY? - Purpose & Objectivity - Why are they presenting this information? Are they trying to persuade you, sell you something, or provide information? What is their point-of-view? Do they have a bias or prejudice?
WHAT? - Accuracy of Content - Is the information based on facts and evidence? Do they cite their sources and explain how & where they got their information? Can you verify the information with more research?
WHEN? - Timeliness - Is there a publication date provided? Is the information current and up-to-date? Does it need to be? Is it acceptable to use older or historic information for your project?
HOW? - Publication & Presentation - Is it published in a reputable source, like a newspaper, magazine, or journal? If it is a book, can you identify the publisher, such as a University Press? Is it well-organized and professional-looking?
Scholarly Communication – Publishing papers in journals is a way that scholars “talk” to each other; how they share information with each other about their research, ideas, and discoveries.
You are now joining that conversation with your own original voice.
Remember, when anyone starts a research project, whether you are a student writing a paper for an assignment or a professor writing an article for publication, you must review what others have discovered and written about your topic.
First you READ, then you WRITE.
It is your right and responsibility to critically evaluate the information in the article. Your thoughts and judgments about articles are important; don't just accept what other authors say - question them!
Look at the structure of the article (many research articles use a standard format)
If you find anything in the Abstract or Conclusion that is important for your paper, look for it in the text.
If you need more information, then read through the Methods or Results sections.
Guide adapted from Pasadena City College WAC (Writing Across the Curriculum)/ Health Sciences Tutoring Lab
Just like with any other source, it is crucial to know how to evaluate the articles you use for your research or projects. By understanding how to assess what you read, you will ensure that your research is built on accurate, trustworthy information.
For every article you find, ask yourself these key questions:
Guide adapted from: Colorado State University Libraries How To Do Library Research / How to Evaluate Journal Articles
Many websites can be appropriate for academic work, including those from academic institutions, government organizations, and professional associations. However, websites can be "trickier" to evaluate than scholarly articles, as the quality and reliability of information can vary greatly.
To find reliable materials on the web, use search engines and subject directories. Google Advanced Search is a useful tool for narrowing results to specific domains, such as .edu, .org, or .gov.
Because information on the internet varies in its trustworthiness, it's important to critically assess each source. Review our guide for tips on how to evaluate websites and news for academic use.