Science SkillsEvaluating Information |
In your career as a student and eventually as a professional, you will spend a great deal of time using the Internet and other resources to find information. But, can you trust the information you find? It is easy to spot outlandish information, but not all errors, misinformation, and pseudoscience is obvious; therefore, you need to develop your skills as evaluating the quality of information. The following is a simple list of criteria for evaluating information.
1. Authority
Who is the author?
What are the author's credentials or affiliations?
Is contact information listed for the author?
Does the source cite respectable references?
2. Accuracy
Does the content follow basic spelling, grammar, and composition rules?
Does the information appear to be reliable?
Do the hyperlinked or referenced sources present accurate information?
Does the author accept feedback and error notices?
3. Objectivity
How is the source biased?
Does the author have an agenda?
What is the purpose or intent of the content?
Is the content intended to be persuasive or informative?
4. Currency
When was the original content created?
When was the content last updated?
Is the content updated on a regular basis?
Does the content incorporate recent events and information?
5. Coverage
Who is the intended audience?
How comprehensive is the content?
Does the author present the depth as well as the breadth of the topic?
Is the content original, an interpretation, or a reference work?
6. Stability
Does a student, an instructor, or an institution author the piece?
Is the URL likely to change over time?
Is the content part of a managed and maintained Web site?
Does the site have an identifiable site administrator?
7. Utility
Is the content valuable as a source of primary or reference information for a topic?
Does the content intelligently use visual mediaæanimation, video, audio, and program applets?
Is the content well laid out and organized for easy use?
In addition, the following resources offer other criteria to help you develop this necessary skill.