Credibility

Currency

Accuracy

Relevance

Bias

3

Very Credible:

Peer-reviewed by an expert in the field

Ex: article found on EBSCOhost using the peer-reviewed limiter

Scholarly article found on Google Scholar

Current:

Date of publication is listed and is appropriate for the chosen topic.

Ex: an article from the 1940s about WWII would be appropriate

Accurate: Research in source is well-documented and seems reasonable for topic; documentation comes from solid sources

Relevant to Topic: Information in resource enlightens reader on chosen topic

Unbiased: The information is factual as opposed to editorial and the author is not promoting a particular organization affiliated with the topic

Ex: a scientist conducts drug research for Stanford Univ., as opposed to a drug company

2

Credible: Author or organization listed with credentials

Ex: article on the Middle East from a NY Times reporter

Government article from OOH on job placement for construction workers

Somewhat Current: Date of publication is listed but may be a little bit out of date for topic

Ex: an article about computers from 5 yrs ago might have some good info, but some might be out of date

Somewhat Accurate: Research has some documentation and information seems reasonable for topic; any documentation comes from solid sources

Somewhat Relevant to Topic: Information provides some insight into chosen topic; some information might be irrelevant

Mostly Unbiased: Information is factual as opposed to editorial; the intended purpose of the article is to inform, although the author may have a connection to an interested organization

1

Possibly Not Credible: May not have an author or credible organization listed

Ex: website/blog

Out-of-Date: Either no date listed or the information is too out of date to be useful

Ex: a book about gun laws from the 1890s would be irrelevant when discussing modern gun control

Questionable Accuracy: Research is not well-documented in resource or has questionable sources

Not Relevant to Topic: Information from resource provides little insight into chosen topic

Biased: Information provided is promoting a particular agenda or organization

Ex: PETA website provides one-sided information on pet adoption