Evaluating Sources

 

 

Author Title Publisher/Site Public. Date Access Date Other

 

 

 

                                                                                            Least                    Most

1. Relevance                                                                                     | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5|

How closely does the material address your research question?

Does it provide background or address a central issue? 

 

 

2. Evidence                                                                           | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5|

Are the ideas and information presented persuasively, with support (i.e. strong argument, relevant facts)?

Is the presentation seemingly fair and informed with appropriate sources credited?

 

 

3. Source                                                                                            | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5|

Who is the author? What "authority" or affiliation does he/she have? Does the style indicate reliability or biases?

Who is the publisher? What does this suggest about the purpose and trustworthiness of the material?

 

 

 

(Checklist adapted from Palmquist,  The Bedford Researcher)