Tips for Evaluating Information

Evaluation is simply an assessment of the value of the sources that you use for your research, such as books, articles and websites. Your instructors expect you to be able to determine what sources are appropriate for college level research, as well as what is appropriate for your specific assignment. But how do you do it? Here are specific characteristics to assess and where to find them when determining the value and appropriateness of your source for your assignment:

1. Credentials: What does the author know about the subject?
2. Objectivity: Does the author have an agenda?
3. Documentation: Where did the author get the information?
4. Timeliness: When was the material written?
5. Review and Editing: Has the materiel been reviewed for publication?