Evaluating Books, Articles, and Websites
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Current |
When was this information published? |
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Relevant |
Is this an important source for your needs? How is the information related to your question? Does the information address the complexities and significance of your topic? Is the writing style too basic or too advanced for your needs? |
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Accurate |
Is that really true or factual? How could you check that? Is the information specific? |
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Authoritative |
Who is the author? Are they an expert? What are their credentials? |
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Purpose |
What is the purpose of the site/article/book? (To inform? Sell? Persuade?) Is the work biased? What is the author’s point of view? Do you need to consider another point of view? |
Here are some differences between the two:
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Peer-Reviewed/ Scholarly Articles |
Audience: Professionals, Professors, Graduate Students Author: Has credentials or expertise in the field (check for information on their education, institutional affiliation, or other publications) Contents: articles are longer and more detailed, usually have more text than images/graphics, and provide a bibliography Language: Uses language/jargon specific to the field Research: Findings often based on original research or new applications of others’ research Peer-reviewed: Yes – experts in the field evaluate an article before it is accepted for publication |
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Popular Articles |
Audience: General audience Author: Often staff writers/contributors without expertise or special qualifications in the field (their credentials aren’t given) Contents: articles are shorter, may contain more images, and usually don’t provide a bibliography Language: Uses everyday language that’s easily understood by a general audience Research: Usually not “original” research Peer-reviewed: No |