The critical evaluation of information is an essential skill when conducting quality research. Assessing and evaluating information involves common sense, knowledge, scepticism, and verification. Not all information you find will be suitable.With so much information available, in many different formats and from many different sources, selected information must be carefully evaluated to ensure the quality, authority, perspective and balance that best supports your research. But what do you look for?
Some general criteria to consider as you evaluate information sources include:
- Authority
- Currency
- Accuracy
- Coverage
- Purpose
- Intended Audience
