1. What is the address of the website? Who is the author? Who is the publisher?
The address of a website will give you clues to its origin. For example, .edu is an educational site, .gov is a government site, .com is a commercial site.
Is the author of the book, article or website an expert on the topic? Are you able to determine the author’s credentials, position and background?
Is the publisher well-known? Is it a university publication? Did an organization or individual publish the book?
2. Is the source current?
If a website, is it updated regularly. What is the publication date of an article, the copyright date of a book?
3. Is the source objective?
Is the information fact or opinion? Is there evidence of bias or stereotyping? Does the author use vocabulary that makes you wonder if the source is neutral or is trying to convince you of something?
4. What is the scope of the source?
Does the source use primary documents to support its position? Is it an original source, or does it summarize research completed by others? Is it intended for a specific audience?
5. Is the source of high quality?
Are the ideas clearly presented? Is the source well-organized? Is the information well-researched and documented?