Evaluating Information

Evaluating Information

Information found in books, magazines, periodicals, journals, digital libraries and other refereed sources are normally filtered information that has been verified. The following criteria are used to evaluate and assess information before it can be trusted as valid.

Authorship

This refers to who wrote the document. Does the resource have some reputable organization or expert behind it? Does the author have standing in the field? Are sources of information stated? Is the information verifiable? Can the author be contacted for clarification or to be informed of new information?

Publishing Body

Before a book is published, it normally undergoes a screening processs before it is recommended by a publishing house. The role and authority of the content found on the Internet must also be taken into consideration. The following should be taken into consideration:

Does this Web page actually reside in an individual's personal Internet account, rather than being part of an official Web site? This type of information resource should be approached with the greatest caution.

Can you ascertain the relationship of the author and the publisher/server? Was the document that you are viewing prepared as part of the author's professional duties (and, by extension, within his/her area of expertise)? Or is the relationship of a casual or for-fee nature, telling you nothing about the author's credentials within an institution?

Point of View or Bias

When evaluating information, it is important to examine who is providing the "information" you are viewing, and what might be their point of view or bias. When looking for information, it is always critical to remember that everyone has an opinion. Because the structure of the Internet allows for easy self publication, the variety of points of view and bias will be the widest possible.

Referral

The author alludes to or displays knowledge of related sources, with proper attribution.The author displays knowledge of theories, schools of thought, or techniques usually considered appropriate in the treatment of his or her subject. Another criteria would be to check if the author has a bibliography.

Accuracy

Criteria for evaluating information inlcludes:

Checking if the document relies on other sources that are listed in a bibliography or includes links to the documents themselves.

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