No matter what type of information you choose to use, it is essential for you to evaluate the information you have found, especially if the information you found did not go through a formal editorial process before publishing, such as free websites or on social media sites.
There are several different methods that you can use to help guide you on the evaluation process. All of these methods will help guide you through three simple steps to evaluate different types of information:
1. Know who or what (e.g. institution, organization, company, etc.) is giving you the information.
2. Read / watch / listen to the information with a critical mind.
3. Verify the information.
If you prefer to put a score to your information source, below is an evaluation matrix that you can use to help you decide whether or not it is appropriate for academic research. If you prefer, you can download the print version.
0 point: No depth in the content, or content is suitable for children.
1 point: Basic or surface-level information, lacking the depth needed for your purpose.
2 points: Informative, but written for the general public.
3 points: Content has the depth of coverage needed for your purpose and written at a college or professional level.
0 point: You can’t find who the author/producer is, or the author/producer has a reputation for giving out inaccurate or misleading information.
1 point: The author/producer is named, but their credentials cannot be verified or are unknown, or their credentials/expertise are unrelated to the topic.
2 points: The author/producer is named and relevant credentials are verifiable, or they have a reputable name as an expert in the topic.
3 points: The author/producer’s name and credentials are provided and can be verified, and have a reputable name as an expert in the topic and content is published in a reputable place.
0 point: Content seems “off the wall,” or the source contains poor grammar or numerous spelling errors, or no sources mentioned.
1 point: Source(s) of information are mentioned in the content, but not formally cited. Does not include bibliography or references.
2 points: Source(s) of information are formally cited in the content (bibliography, references, or footnotes), or content is published on a reputable industry-approved place, such as a trade/professional journal or association’s website.
3 points: Source(s) of information are formally cited and published in a peer-reviewed, academic, or professional source; or it is a primary source.
0 point: The content is unrelated to your research topic.
1 point: The content is related to the topic, but the information is not very useful.
2 points: The content is somewhat useful, possibly as overview or background information.
3 points: The content is very relevant and useful.
0 point: The content is entirely opinion-based and unfair or misleading or inaccurate, or author is documented to be misleading or inaccurate.
1 point: The content is persuasive, but is not well supported, and/or author is documented to have a clear bias or agenda.
2 points: The content is persuasive, well-cited, and supports arguments well, and/or author is part of the group that the content expresses viewpoints about.
3 points: The content examines both sides of the issue fairly and is well-cited, and/or is primarily fact-based and well-cited.
0 point: There is no publication or copyright date.
1 point: The content is more than 5 years old and has no historical value.
2 points: The content is 3 to 5 years old, or the content has some historical value.
3 points: The content is less than 3 years old and the information is current and up-to-date about the topic, or it is a primary source with historical value.
Add up your points and write down the total points.
0 to 6 points: Highly questionable source. Find better sources or be able to explain why you use this source.
7 to 10 points: Useful for personal purposes, but not appropriate for college-level research. Find better sources or be able to explain why you use this source.
11 to 14 points: Possibly a good source for academic research, but better sources may be available. Use cautiously or find better sources.
15 to 18 points: Excellent source for academic research. Good job!
Disclaimer: This rubric is intended to provide guidance in evaluating information sources and may not work for every source or information need. Depending on your topic and the context of your assignment, some resources may be appropriate for your need, but may not score high in every category. Use your best judgment.
This rubric is adapted from McHenry County College Library.
