Evaluating Sources

Evaluating a source by purpose & objectivity means that you are asking: Is there bias or a slant given to the information provided?

When considering the purpose & objectivity of a source, ask yourself the following questions:

• What point of view does the author represent? Is the source arguing for or against something? Does the source contain mostly factual information or is it opinion-based?
• Is the source associated with an organization or institution that is known for promoting a certain point of view or opinion?
• What appears to be the purpose of the information provided -- to inform, teach, sell, entertain, provide public services, or persuade?

Where should you look to determine the purpose & objectivity of a source?

Print & Database Sources

• Read the abstract, summary, or table of contents for the source
• Scan the full text of the source - look for facts, statistics, advertisements, etc.
• Examine or look up the author's and publisher's affiliations
• Examine or look up other works written or published by the author/publisher

Websites

• Read the abstract, summary, or table of contents for the source (if available)
• Scan the full text of the source - look for facts, statistics, advertisements, etc.
• Examine or look up website's or author's affiliations
• Examine or look up other works written or published by the author/website
• Examine the domain extension (i.e. .com, .edu)

What to avoid

• Sources that are primarily opinion-based, with few facts or statistics (unless seeking biased sources)
• Sources that are primarily concerned with selling a product (unless seeking biased sources)
• Sources with affiliations known for promoting a certain viewpoint (unless seeking biased sources)

Note: It's okay to use information from sources that contain strong arguments or opinions, but it's always a good idea to acknowledge the author's view.