Information is contextual, both from the view of the author as well as the user. Being a good evaluator of information comes down to asking questions. Below are some important considerations when evaluating sources for your course work.
Authorship
- Is the author credited?
- Does the author include a biography?
- Does the author possess sufficient experience with the subject matter?
- Research the author online. What do you find?
Evidence
- Is the work based on collected data that support the arguments contained therein?
- Does the work state how the data were collected?
- Does the author cite external data that is published or otherwise accessible? E.g. census data.
- Does the author cite the work of other experts or scholars in the field?
- Is the work published in a peer-reviewed journal or subjected to scholarly review?
Appropriateness
- Know your assignment requirements. What kinds of sources (i.e. books, peer-reviewed journal articles, web) are acceptable?
- Is the source sufficiently current to cite? In most cases, sources within 10 years of publication are preferred, unless you are examining the evolution (or history) of a topic.
- What is the purpose of the source? Is it to educate? Or to promote goods, services or political support?
Bias
- Biases are everywhere. Responsible authors know this and apply transparency in their methods.
- Are the author's objectives explicitly stated?
- Does the author consider multiple points of view?
- Does the author support arguments and assertions with evidence?
- Is the work explicit about who funded the research or paid the author? There may be conflicts of interest.
- What is the general tone and accuracy of the author's writing? Is it appropriate for a scholarly medium?
- Does the author avoid exaggerated or hyperbolic speech intended to sway your opinion?
Misinformation
- Fake news masquerades as the truth. It aims to make you doubt what you know (gaslighting). Be aware of this.
- Misinformation and fake news is disseminated through unreliable and often extreme political channels.
- Don't get your news from social networks!
- Is the information published through a reputable source? See Media Bias/Fact Check
- Does the information attempt to shock you with extreme or outlandish claims?
- If you suspect information is misleading, confirm the information through multiple historically reliable sources.
- If in doubt use fact checkers: Snopes, Factcheck.org, Politifact
Diversity
- The most dominant voices in society dominate society's narratives. Does your topic apply to a diverse array of communities and their experiences?
- Is the source inclusive of all voices pertinent to your topic?
- Where applicable, seek viewpoints from marginalized communities to get to fullest understanding of your topic.