Learn to Learn Online
Academic Skills
Learn More: Evaluating Online Sources
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Evaluate your online sources according to the following criteria.
  1. Accuracy
    • Use knowledge you have, to check on new information.
    • Evaluate whether information is specific enough to verify.
    • Analyze the logic of the author's analysis.
  2. Authority
    • Find the author as listed on the site or its links.
    • Describe the qualifications of the author as listed on the site or its links.
  3. Objectivity
    • Detect whether a bias colors the analysis (one-sided analysis or heavy dependence on emotional language and terms). Knowing the bias of an author helps you to translate the information but doesn't necessitate throwing out the source; however, an extremely biased source with sweeping generalizations may require that you not include such a source.
  4. Currency
    • Locate the dates when the site was last updated.
    • Conclude whether the information is new enough to be relevant to the topic---usually no older than 2 years old.
  5. Coverage
    • Locate information on the topic.
    • Conclude to what depth the author is exploring the topic.
    • Decide whether there is enough evidence to support the main points.
    • Evaluate whether the conclusion can be made on the basis of the material presented.
  6. Relevance
    • Decide whether the site is relevant to your assignment.
    • Conclude whether or not the site material helps you to analyze your topic or make a point that supports your thesis.

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