Evaluating and Citing Research

Credibility

• Who is the author?  Is the author listed?  Are they an expert in their field?  Is their education or professional experience relevant to the information they present?  If no author is listed is the publisher a recognized professional organization?  

• Is the website url a .com, .org, .edu, .gov?  Generally speaking it is better to not use a site that is a .com as it is more likely to be biased in it's perspective and intentions.  

• What is the quality of the information?  Is the information peer reviewed or a recognized relevant organization?

Accuracy

• Is there a date on the website?  Is the information up to date?  All links should work and lead to web sites that can also pass the CARS test.

• What is the purpose of the site?  Is it trying to inform/teach?  Is there bias (favoring one opinion over another)?

• Are there clear sources?  Is information based on facts that are clearly stated and sourced?  

Reliability

• Is the tone fair and balanced?  Is the tone moderate or strongly pushing the reader to reach a specific conclusion?  

• Is the information presented in a consistent way?

• Re-examine the purpose of the site.  Are there ads, is the information presented clearly?  It is preferable to have a site without ads, without flashing text or images.  There should be no spelling or grammar errors.

Support

•  Claims and conclusions are supported with clearly stated facts.

• Claims and conclusions are consistent with other sources.