REL 125: Introduction to World Religions (Larsen): Evaluate Sources

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated? 
• Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?
• Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? 
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority:  The source of the information.

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• Are the author’s credentials or organizational affliations given?
• What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
* Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
    examples:  .com  .edu  .gov  .org  .net  (pertains to Websites only)

Accuracy:  The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence? 
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion? 
• Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose:  The reason the information exists.

• What is the purpose of the information?  to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?