ENG 112

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?

Issues & Controversies research database offers students a wide variety of topics and viewpoints on popular issues. Explore more than 800 hot topics in business, politics, government, education, and pop culture. This database is great for papers and debate preparation. 

Currency of source material is also dependent upon a writer’s particular field of study. 

• Writing a paper for a biology class, for example, requires current information in order to effectively persuade an audience. 
• Technological innovations as well as scientific discoveries constantly change our perceptions about the natural world, so the most up-to-date research is necessary to support an argument.  For instance, using a textbook from 500 years ago to explain modern-day oral hygiene techniques would not serve to convince dental professionals facts from the source were either relevant or appropriate. 
• Although, if a writer was to craft an essay in a history course about how Christopher Columbus overcame various challenges during his initial voyage to North America in 1492, his personal diary from the journey would be both appropriate and credible. 

Here are some tips to help you find the best possible resources for your research:

• Think of keywords before you begin searching. These are the terms that are most relevant to your topic. For example, if you are studying violence in school, "violence" and "school" would probably be your two most useful search terms.
• Think of any synonyms for your keywords. If you are searching for information on fracking, both "fracking" and "hydraulic fracturing" are two different keywords that might both contain helpful information.
• Use quotations around phrases, such as "global warming" to ensure results that contain both words together.
• Too many results? Try adding more keywords or using more specific keywords in your search.
• No results? Remove keywords or try to think of broader keywords to use.

SIRS Issue Researcher provides relevant, credible information on social issues, science, history, government, and the arts and humanities.  Analysis and opinions cover the pros, cons, and everything in between of 360+ social, scientific, health, historic, economic, and political issues.

NC LIVE offers access to articles from academic journals, magazines, and newspapers. It also provides access to eBooks, audio books, videos, and more.