First, for each source copy and fill in the Source Evaluation Guide bellow.Then,answer these questions about your sources :

Which author is the most authoritative on the subject? Which source is the most reliable? Most current? Do you have any sources which are questionable?

Authority = expertise of the author(s)

(Answer for plural authors in the following questions as necessary.)

Who is the author (or sponsor)?


What are the author’s credentials (profession, # of publications on this topic, memberships, previous research, other)?


Do these credentials give the author authority to present information on this topic?

Yes / No

Objectivity = balanced, unbiased information (“No” answers are best.)

Could the author’s views be affected by his/her background, prejudices, memberships, etc.?

Yes / No

Does the author have something to gain from particular results or viewpoints?

Yes / No

Is the information published in a source known for a bias for/against certain opinions?

Yes / No

Is the objectivity of the information changed by what is included or left out?

Yes / No

Are strong, value- or emotion-laden words used?

Yes / No

Currency = recent, up-to-date information (“No” answers are best.)

When was the source published?


Would recent information be more accurate?

Yes / No

Does the age of this source affect its reliability or has this field changed in recent years?

Yes / No

Reliability = confidence in the truth of the information

Who is the responsible body for publishing this source? (professional org. or private, etc.)


Do you believe the information accurate, current, and unbiased? (Why?)

Yes / No

Last modified: Thursday, 4 November 2010, 11:37 AM