Q. I need to evaluate a source. Do you have a list of criteria that I can use to determine credibility?

When you are looking at a source for clues in determining whether or not it is appropriate to use in a college research assignment, there are several important criteria to keep in mind: 

• authority (is the author an expert?)
• accuracy (is the information correct?)
• objectivity (is the information unbiased?)
• currency (is the information up to date?)

The following FAQs will help you critically evaluate your sources:
 

• How do I know if an author is an expert?

• How can I tell if the information from my sources is accurate?

• How can I check for bias in the books, articles or web pages that I'm reading?

• How can I tell whether information on a web page is current or not?

Also: remember to double-check your assignment instructions, to make sure you are allowed to use open websites as a source.   If you need scholarly sources, click here for tips.

bias, nonbiased, non-biased, credible, authority, objective, objectivity, accuracy, currency, expert, fake news, clickbait