HIS 131

Evaluating Information

When we obtain information for use in research, whether it is from the Internet, a magazine, a newspaper article, a journal, or any number of other sources, it is important that we look at the quality of the information. The following list of questions is a good place to start when trying to decide if your information is reputable, current and verifiable.

Currency

•  Is the information current and up to date?
•  When was the document produced? When was it last updated?
•  If the page includes links, are they up to date?

Accuracy

•  Who provides the information? Is the author of the source clearly stated?
•  Does the author provide contact details (eg, an email address) that you can use to ask follow-up questions about the information?
•  Does the author or publisher list their credentials and affiliations, and can they be verified?

Coverage

•  Does the page require special software to view information? If so, are you missing some of the information?
•  Is some information limited to fee-paying customers?
•  Is the information presented cited correctly?

Objectivity

•  What is the purpose of the page? Is it simply a marketing tool?
•  Is there evidence of bias in the information?
•  How detailed is the information?

Authority

•  Does the URL indicate what type of organisation the information is coming from? What, if anything, does this tell you about the credibility of the information?
•  Has the author provided any evidence or other sources to back up their information? Does the resource include sources or references you can check?
•  Can the information be verified elsewhere?
•  Is there evidence the information has undergone some peer review process?