Your source does not have to meet all of these criteria, but if it doesn’t meet a majority, then it is probably not a good source for academic research.
Currency
___ The source is current enough for my topic.
___ The author uses current information (bibliography) to back up claims.
Relevance
___ The information helps me answer my research questions.
___ The information is written for an academic audience.
___ The language is written at a college level.
___ I have looked at a variety of sources and have chosen the best ones.
Authority
___ The author has appropriate credentials for an academic research paper (advanced degree – PhD or Masters).
___ The author can be considered an “expert” in his or her field.
___ The publisher has a good reputation for accurate information.
Accuracy
___ The author cites his or her sources.
___ The author does not make claims without backing them up.
___ The tone appears to be objective and rational.
___ The source is free of spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors.
___ The information has been reviewed by an editor or has been peer reviewed.
Purpose
___ The author wrote the information for the purpose of furthering knowledge or informing the public (as opposed to profit or entertainment).
___ The information is not propaganda or fear-mongering
___ The author or organization has no financial conflict of interest.
___ The author may have a point of view but has considered multiple points of view.