Evaluating Accuracy
Evaluating information for accuracy may be the most important step in the evaluation process. If information isn't accurate and you claim it is, this can be a serious problem. As you read, watch, or view information, consider:
- How accurate do you feel this information is? Specifically, how accurate is the resource itself? This means you should consider information you've determined at other points in the evaluation process, especially the author's authority on the subject and whether the information's timeliness is appropriate.
- Can the information presented be checked and verified by other resources? This is particularly important when checking a web resource (website, video, etc.) for accuracy. If the information can be verified by other accurate sources, it's more reliable. If it can't be verified, look upon it with a healthy dose of skepticism.
As you consider accuracy, be skeptical - don't believe everything you read, see, or view, whether it's on the Internet, in print, on TV, or in any other medium.
