Evaluating Online Sources

Rationale is important because all information is created to serve a purpose. Remember that no information is completely free from bias because the author's own positions, beliefs, and life experiences will always impact their perceptions. 

The rationale may include the intent to educate, entertain, sell a product, or promote a certain point of view. Some sources may even (intentionally or not) provide inaccurate or false information. 

Different points of view can be valid as long as they are based on good reasoning and careful use of evidence.

• Why did the author or publisher make this information available?
• Is there an obvious and/or extreme bias or prejudice?
• Are there alternative points of view presented?
• Does the author omit any important facts or data that might disprove their claim?
• If there is emotion, what is it and what is the purpose?
• What tone is being used?

Authority is important in judging the credibility of the author's assertions. The author should have knowledge and experience with the topic. Look for an "About the Author" section of a book or website or do a Google search for the author's name to learn more.

Additionally, any person or organization that publishes or sponsors the information should be reputable. On websites, look for an "About" page or any page that would give information and history on the sponsoring person or group to learn more.

• What is the author's background? Do they have education or experience with the topic presented?
• Is the author affiliated with an educational institution or reputable organization?
• Does the author write on other topics? If so, are they related or in different fields?
• Is the publisher of the information source reputable?

Date is important to note because, as you know from the information lifecycle, information changes over time and can become obsolete or inaccurate. Supporting your research with facts that have been superseded by new research or recent events weakens your argument. Not all assignments require the most current information; older materials can provide valuable information such as a historical overview of your topic. In some disciplines, the date of the source is less important, while in others it is very important.

• When was the information published or last updated?
• Have newer articles been published on the topic?
• Are links or references to other sources up-to-date?
• Is the topic in an area that changes rapidly like technology or science?
• Is the information obsolete or out-of-date?

Accuracy is important because errors, misinformation, and disinformation distort lines of reasoning. When you present inaccurate information, you undermine your own credibility.

Information presented as fact should be supported by cited sources. For example, if there is a claim that says "studies show" a particular fact, that study should be cited so you can review and verify that it exists and is credible.

• Are there statements you know to be false? Verify an unlikely story by finding a reputable outlet reporting on the same thing.
• Was the information reviewed by editors or subject-experts (peer-reviewed) before it was published? Was it fact-checked? How do you know?
• Are there citations and references to support data and claims presented? If so, follow those references to verify. If there are no references or bad references, this could be a red flag.
• What do other people have to say on the topic? Is there general agreement among subject-experts?
• If applicable, is there a description of the research method used? Does the method seem appropriate and well-executed?
• Was the information published by a peer-reviewed journal, academic press, or other reliable publisher?
• If there are pictures, have they been doctored? Use a reverse image search like TinEye Links to an external site. to see where an image really comes from.
• For trusted websites, what is the domain? Fake sites often add ".co" to trusted brands (e.g. abcnews.com.co)

• Does the information answer your research question?
• Does the information meet the requirements for your assignment?
• Is the information too technical or too simplified for your use?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Does the source add something new to your knowledge of the topic?
• Is the information focused on the geographical location you are interested in?