Evaluating Information

Evaluating information sources is a critical aspect of the research process, essential for developing strong information literacy skills. According to the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), this evaluation stage is pivotal in navigating participatory information environments effectively.

The ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating the contributions made by others in information environments. This involves not only locating relevant information sources but also determining their reliability, relevance, and quality for inclusion in research projects.

In today’s digital age, where information is abundant and easily accessible, the ability to assess the credibility and trustworthiness of sources is paramount. Researchers must discern between credible sources that provide accurate and valuable information and unreliable sources that may misinform or mislead.

By incorporating the principles outlined in the ACRL Framework, researchers can develop the skills necessary to evaluate information critically. This includes considering factors such as the author’s credentials, the publication’s reputation, the currency of the information, and the objectivity of the content.

Moreover, as information landscapes evolve and new technologies emerge, the ability to evaluate information sources becomes increasingly vital. Researchers must adapt their evaluation criteria to address the changing nature of information dissemination and consumption in the digital era.

In summary, the evaluation of information sources is a fundamental aspect of the research process, integral to the development of information literacy skills. By adhering to the principles outlined in the ACRL Framework, researchers can navigate the complex information landscape with confidence, ensuring the integrity and reliability of their research endeavors.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria for information sources serve as guidelines to assess their quality and relevance. While variations may exist among schools, universities, and libraries, certain fundamental components are universally recognized:

1. Currency: The publication date indicates the timeliness of the information. Is it up-to-date for the subject area? Is there newer research available that may offer different insights?
2. Authority & Credentials: Consider the author’s or publisher’s reputation and expertise in the field. Are they respected authorities with relevant qualifications? Do they possess specific knowledge or experience on the topic?
3. Accuracy & Reliability: Evaluate the accuracy and validity of the information. Can it be corroborated by other reputable sources? Is the research method sound and the data reliable?
4. Audience: Determine the intended audience for the information. Is it aimed at the general public, industry professionals, or academic scholars? Understanding the target audience provides insight into the depth and complexity of the content.
5. Bias: Assess any potential bias in the information. Does the source present a particular viewpoint or agenda? Is it supported by empirical evidence, or does it rely on subjective opinions? Recognizing bias helps to discern the objectivity and credibility of the information.

In addition to these criteria, several resources can aid in information evaluation:

• SIFT (The Four Moves): A method that outlines steps for critically evaluating unfamiliar claims or sources. It encourages students to Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context.
• Check, Please! Starter Course: A free online course designed to teach fact-checking and source verification skills in five easy lessons. Participants learn practical techniques to assess the credibility of information and identify misinformation.

By employing these evaluation criteria and utilizing available resources, individuals can make informed decisions about the quality and reliability of information sources. Developing robust evaluation skills is essential in today’s information-rich environment, ensuring that research and decision-making processes are based on accurate and trustworthy information.

Determining Bias, Fact or Opinion

When assessing sources for bias, it’s crucial to consider various factors that may influence the objectivity and credibility of the information presented. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Selective Use of Facts: Evaluate whether the resource selectively presents facts or omits important information. Factual writing typically relies on statistical evidence and provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.
2. Emotional Appeal: Pay attention to the language used in the resource. Does it employ emotional language or rhetorical devices such as exclamation points or all caps? Emotional appeals may indicate an attempt to sway readers’ opinions rather than present objective information.
3. Promotion of Specific Agenda: Determine whether the resource promotes a particular political, religious, or social agenda from a single perspective. Is the author affiliated with an organization that advocates for a specific agenda? Awareness of potential biases can help readers critically analyze the content and its underlying motivations.

When evaluating news sources for bias, organizations like FAIR (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting) offer valuable guidance. FAIR provides questions to consider when assessing the objectivity and bias of news media sources on their “How to Detect Bias In News Media” page.

In addition to these considerations, it’s essential to engage in critical thinking and fact-checking to verify the accuracy and reliability of the information presented. By applying these evaluation techniques, individuals can make informed decisions and navigate the complex landscape of media and information sources more effectively.

Types of Information Resources

Understanding the scope of your research requirements is paramount in navigating the vast landscape of information resources available. Before delving into your research, it’s essential to review the guidelines of your assignment or research criteria to ensure that you’re utilizing the appropriate sources. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Determine whether your research necessitates original or primary research articles, or if secondary sources that summarize or discuss research findings are acceptable. While primary sources offer firsthand accounts or original data, secondary sources provide analysis and interpretation of primary sources. Refer to resources such as our Primary and Secondary Resources page for further clarification on the distinction between these sources.
2. Scholarly Journal Articles: Assess whether your research demands scholarly journal articles. These articles are typically written by experts in the field and undergo rigorous peer review before publication, ensuring their reliability and credibility. Additionally, ascertain if your assignment requires articles specifically from peer-reviewed journals, which undergo scrutiny by experts in the field before publication. Our Scholarly and Peer Reviewed Journals page can assist you in identifying and accessing these sources.
3. Magazine or Newspaper Articles: Determine if it’s permissible to include magazine or newspaper articles in your research. While these sources may offer valuable insights and perspectives, they often lack the depth and rigor of scholarly articles. Consult our Academic and Popular Resources page to understand the distinctions between academic and popular sources and to explore the suitability of these sources for your research needs.

Expanding on this information, it’s crucial to recognize the strengths and limitations of each type of resource. Primary research articles provide original data and insights, making them invaluable for certain types of research, particularly in scientific fields. Secondary sources, on the other hand, offer analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of existing research, aiding in understanding complex topics and trends.

Scholarly journal articles are essential for academic research, offering in-depth analysis, methodology descriptions, and citations to support their claims. Peer-reviewed journals further enhance the credibility of scholarly articles by subjecting them to evaluation by experts in the field.

While magazine and newspaper articles may offer more accessible language and diverse perspectives, they may lack the rigor and depth necessary for academic research. However, they can still provide valuable context, opinions, and real-world examples that supplement scholarly research.

By carefully considering these factors and utilizing the appropriate information resources, you can ensure the integrity and quality of your research findings. Additionally, consulting with librarians or subject matter experts can provide further guidance in selecting the most relevant and reliable sources for your research project.

Evaluating Articles

The following resources provide criteria and tools for evaluating the quality of a research article:

• Blevins, Dr. (n.d.). Checklist for evaluating a research report.
• Mårtensson, P., Fors, U., Wallin, S., Zander, U., & Nilsson, G. H. (2016). Evaluating research: A multidisciplinary approach to assessing research practice and quality. Research Policy, 45(3), 593-603. doi://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2015.11.009
• Oleson, K. & Arkin, R. (2006). Reviewing and evaluating a research article. In F. Leong & J. Austin The psychology research handbook: A guide for graduate students and research assistants (pp. 59-74). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Ltd. doi: 10.4135

Evaluating Websites

When it comes to evaluating the credibility of information sources, assessing websites shares similarities with evaluating traditional sources like books or journal articles. However, due to the ease of website creation, it’s crucial to adopt a more discerning approach in your evaluation process. Moreover, there are specific considerations unique to website assessment, such as scrutinizing the website domain for authenticity and reliability.

To aid in this process, we provide a comprehensive resource on our Website Evaluation page, offering a series of questions designed to help determine the quality and reliability of websites and their content. These questions cover various aspects, including the author’s credentials, the currency of information, potential biases, and the accuracy of sources cited. By systematically addressing these inquiries, users can make informed judgments about the trustworthiness of online sources.

For those seeking further guidance, we offer a Website Evaluation Workshop aimed at equipping participants with practical strategies for evaluating online information effectively. This workshop delves deeper into the nuances of website evaluation, providing attendees with valuable insights and tools to navigate the vast landscape of online content critically.

Participants have the option to engage in live workshop sessions, details of which can be accessed through the provided link to our live workshop schedule. Alternatively, individuals can access recorded sessions of the workshop, offering flexibility in learning and accommodating diverse schedules.

As the internet continues to evolve as a primary source of information, cultivating skills in website evaluation is essential for distinguishing credible sources from misinformation and ensuring the integrity of research and decision-making processes. By leveraging our resources and workshops, users can enhance their digital literacy and make informed choices when navigating online content.

There is a lot of information on the Internet, but how can you tell the good from the bad? This workshop presents search engine tips, basics of website evaluation, and includes practice websites for you to evaluate.