Why evaluate?
Evaluating Books and Articles
Evaluating Web Sites
Why Evaluate Sources?
Finding sources appropriate for academic research requires time and a critical eye. It is also important to evaluate those sources, identifying the best ones for your research. Learning to apply criteria by which you can evaluate both print and electronic information should make it easier for you to choose good sources.
The type of research you are doing will determine how closely you examine your sources. You would probably be less critical of information gathered for your own personal interest than for a paper. Academic research requires accurate and documented sources. This section of the guide will help you to evaluate books, journal articles, or web resources.
PURPOSE
Determine the book's (article's) purpose. Was it written to inform, to persuade, to present research, or to advance an opinion? Who is the intended audience? Who is the author? What are his or her qualifications, experience, or affiliation?AUTHOR
Who is the author? What are his or her qualifications, experience, or affiliation? Find biographical information if you can.PUBLISHER
Who is the publisher? Is the book (or journal) published by an academic or commercial press? Is the book published by a non-profit organization, government agency, or a business? You can sometimes discover bias by determining who published a book. For instance, religious or political organizations may have purposes and agendas that you need to know about when drawing from the content of their publications.AUTHORITY
Consider the authority of the source. Does the book or journal contain documented facts or personal opinion? Check the accuracy of the work by looking at footnotes, bibliographies, or references cited.CURRENCY
Check the currency of the book or article. Do you need a recent work with current discussion? Or, do you need the kind of historical context offered by research published in older books or articles. If you need statistical information, make certain the source is current enough for your research.CONTENT
How does the book (article) compare to other books? What is its scope? Does it support or challenge your position? Does it provide background information, theory, or a historical perspective? Can you use the book to support or challenge a position you plan to take in your paper? Does the bibliography provide a list of credible works to find more information on your topic?
Listed below are the four critical questions to ask when evaluating web sites.
Click on the link to read more about each criteria