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?

Notes:

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?

Notes:

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?

Notes:

(Checklist adapted from Palmquist, The Bedford Researcher)