How To Evaluate Information -- Checklist

Identify the Source

Who is providing the information?

Examples illustrating source identification:

Discover the Source's Expertise

Is the source an expert or authority?

  • Examine credentials in author bios and "about us" pages.
  • Examine grammar and spelling.
  • Examine links to and from other Web sites.
  • Look for other publications by the author or publisher.
  • Amazon.com
  • U.S. Copyright Search
  • Library of Congress Online Catalog
  • Independently verify credentials.
  •  College degrees--call registrar's office
  • Professional associations--check professional directory
  • Is the person cited as an expert in the news or trade literature?
  • Has the person published articles in trade literature or peer-reviewed publications?

Examples illustrating reputation:

Determine the Level of Objectivity

Does the source provide a balanced viewpoint?

  • Examine the writing style. Is it trying to influence your opinion?
  • Examine the advertising. Does it influence the content?
  • Lack of objectivity does not necessarily mean the source provides substandard information. A persuasive writer intends to win your favor. S/he might use good facts and analysis to do so.

Examples illustrating objectivity:

Establish the Date of Publication

Is the information current at the time of publication?

  • Examine creation and revision dates. Do not rely on dates provided by search engines.  (See It's Tough to Get a Good Date with a Search Engine)
  • Review facts and analysis in historical context.
  • Assess the writing for time-sensitive information. Be cautious about descriptive words such as always, never, all, none and most.
  • Be aware of scripting that creates the current date (display source code to detect)
  • Stay away from undated information whether it is presented as fact or commentary.

Examples illustrating timeliness:

Verify What the Information Claims

Can you find two or more reliable sources that provide the same information?

  • Use primary sources (sources that originate information) for facts.
  • Secondary sources (sources that interpret facts) should provide cited references.
  • Look for cited references.
  • Reliable sources meet all the quality criteria.

Why verification is important:

View As Slides

Identify the Source

Discover the Source's Expertise

Determine the Level of Objectivity

Establish the Date of Publication

Verify What the Information Claims

View as Checklist