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CMST 220 - Public Speaking (Blocker): Evaluating

Library information and resources for Sascha Blocker's CMST 220 class

Evaluate Introduction

Evaluating information is all about making sure you're using information that is both appropriate and credible. Appropriate means it's the right kind of source for your needs. Credible means that the information is trustworthy or reliable. This page offers several different tips and tutorials you can use to learn how to identify credible information.

Evaluate Information A.S.A.P.

Is a source worth your time and energy? Is it appropriate for your needs? Here is a way to evaluate all types of sources.

  • Author: Look for the author’s name(s), credentials, expertise, other work, reputation, recommendations
  • Sources: Look for a bibliography, works cited, or other list of sources the author used
  • Age: Look for the publication or copyright date. Is it current enough for your topic?
  • Publisher: Look for the name of the publisher (or parent website). What other kinds of sources does this publisher provide? What does a Google or Wikipedia search for this publisher say?

IRIS Tutorial: Evaluate Information A.S.A.P.

Screenshot of IRIS: Evaluate Information ASAP

Evaluate Web Sites: W5 for W3

W5 = Who, What, When, Where, Why

W3 = World Wide Web (www)

  Who is responsible for the site?

  What kind of site is it?

  When was the site created?

  Where can you find more information?

  Why is this site here?

IRIS Tutorial: Evaluate Websites W5 for W3

Screenshot of IRIS: Evaluate Websites W5 for W3

Evaluate Every A.S.P.E.C.T

A: Authority

  • Is there an author’s name?
  • Can you locate the author’s credentials?
  • Can you find evidence of author expertise in the subject?
  • Have you located similar works by this author?
  • Do you have personal recommendations for this author?
  • Do you know the publisher’s credentials and reputation?
  • Are there similar works from this publisher?

S: Sources

  • Is information presented as fact?  If yes…
    • Does the author provide documentation? (Bibliography, footnotes, links, etc.)
  • If documentation/sources are included, are they from credible sources?

P: Purpose

  • Was this source written to inform and educate?
  • Does the source argue a perspective or specific opinion?
  • Is the source intended to entertain or sell?
  • Is the content aimed at a general audience, or is it written for readers with expertise in the subject?
  • Is the source too basic, too technical, too advanced?
  • Is the source just right for your research needs?                 

E: Evenness

  • Does the author recognize other points of view?
  • Is the information presented objective?
  • If the source is biased, does the author acknowledge the bias?

C: Coverage

  • Is the information new? Does it support what you have found in other sources?
  • Is the source comprehensive or inclusive enough for your needs?
  • Does this source provide information that is relevant to your needs?

T: Timeliness

  • When was the source published?
  • Is the date appropriate for your topic?

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