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Evaluating information

Is the information I’ve found right for my research? Not all information is of the same quality and it is important that you evaluate information critically to ensure that you are using relevant, credible and accurate sources.

Apply consistent evaluation criteria to all sources of information in order to properly assess the value, authority and viewpoint of the content.

Authority

  • Can the author be identified?
  • Do they have the experience and qualifications to write on the subject?
  • Are they an expert in their field?
  • What else have they written?
  • Is the author affiliated with any organisations that may influence their opinion?
  • Who is the publisher of the work and what is their reputation?

Coverage

  • How well does the information cover the research topic in terms of time period, geographical area, level of detail?

Content

  • Is it a primary or a secondary source?
  • Is the intended audience scholarly or general?
  • Is there a reference list acknowledging sources consulted?
  • Is the information fact or opinion?
  • Is the information biased?
  • Is the information correct?
  • Can the information be used to support your arguments?

Timeliness

  • When was the information produced/published?
  • Is the information up to date?
  • If the information is not recent, is it still valid for the research project?
  • Do you need current or historical information?
  • Are there later editions or versions?
  • What is the date the site was last updated if a website?

Accuracy

  • Is the information presented in a logical way?
  • Is the information factual, or the opinion of the author?
  • Do factual statements lend themselves to verification?
  • Has it been peer-reviewed?
  • Has the research methodology been outlined?

Objectivity

  • Does the author or publisher have a particular bias or agenda?
  • Do you have your own cultural, social or political opinions that may affect your objectivity when evaluating information?
  • Are you able to determine whether the information is fact or opinion?
  • Does the style of writing bias the content?

Reviewing search strategies

As you are searching for information you will be constantly evaluating and reviewing both the quality and quantity of your literature search results. Check constantly that the information you find meets your needs. If not, revise and refine your search strategies.

When defining your topic, have you

  • Identified the key concepts?
  • Determined all relevant keywords to use as search terms?
  • Considered using truncation or wildcards to expand search terms?
  • Considered using phrase searching, Near or With, or nesting?
  • Determined the relationships between search terms?
  • Formulated effective search strategies?

When identifying and searching information sources, have you

  • Selected appropriate information sources such as library catalogues, databases and journals, citation indexes and the Internet?
  • Kept current using alert services?
  • Cited information using the correct referencing style?
  • Managed your information in a systematic way using EndNote?

 

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20th February 2012