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Evaluating Information: A Sequenced Tutorial

This tutorial explores how to evaluate information according to several important criteria, including currency, relevance, authority, authority, accuracy, appropriateness, and purpose.

Accuracy

Evaluating Information: Accuracy

clipart image of a spyglassJudging information ACCURACY:

   How reliable or truthful is the information?
   Are there references for the information presented?
   Is there a research methodology?
   Has the information been reviewed in some manner?
   Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?

Databases
Look for keywords in the abstract to indicate what research methodology was used.  You should also look for links to the references that have been cited.

Screenshot of ProQuest database with relevant areas noted in red.

Many databases make it easy for you to see what references have been cited in a particular study (see below).

Screenshot of ProQuest database record with relevant areas noted in red

Articles:
Look for sections that clearly illustrate what research methodology was used in the study. 

Screenshot of ProQuest article abstract, with methodology section noted in red

Taking a look at the publication:
Ulrich's Periodical Directory is a great resource to find out more information about a particular periodical. Journals marked with the referee shirt icon indicate that an article has been through the peer-review process. 

Screenshot of Ulrich'sWeb database page with relevant areas noted in red

 

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Evaluating Information Overview