Research Help: Evaluating Resources

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

WHAT CLUES WILL HELP YOU DECIDE IF THIS EVIDENCE MEETS THE CRITERION?

Authority and Reliability: Is the author an authority on your specific topic? Can you rely on this author/publisher to present high-quality information?

Relevance and Usefulness to Your Research: Does this evidence answer your research questions or suggest additional avenues for research that you should be pursuing?

Currency: How up-to-date is the source? Is that important for your topic?

Accuracy: Is the factual information accurate and are any opinions supported by credible evidence?

Comprehensiveness: Does this evidence add depth, valuable additional information, or corroboration for your research?

Point of View: What is the point of view of the author/creator?  How has that point of view influenced the credibility of the information or the type of information included?  What information has been left out that might be offered by an author with a different point of view?