Evaluating Sources

Review the assigned sources in your group ​to evaluate their credibility or reliability, and determine if you would use this source in a paper. Here are some general evaluation questions to to help guide your decision: 

1. Is it authoritative?

•  Does the author have the education/experience/qualifications to write about the topic?

2. Is it current? 

• Is the information current or out-of date for your topic? Think about why you need particular information to determine if the date of publication matters. 

3. What is the purpose? 

• What is the purpose of the information (to inform, to persuade, to sell)?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• There is a difference between an article exhibiting a bias, and and article expressing an opinion.  
  • An opinion article is sharing the author's point of view on a topic. Articles that express an opinion are not "bad" sources, but make sure you know where the facts end and the opinions begin. 
  • Bias is an inaccurate or unfair representation of data. Bias can be intentional or unintentional, so make sure to watch for it in any sources you use.