COM 103: Public Speaking & Presentations (Curry): Evaluating Sources

The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?  
• Has the information been revised or updated?  
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?  
• Are the links functional?
• Has the information revised or reviewed?
• Does material related to your topic?

Is this information important for your topic.  

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?  
• Who is the intended audience?  
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? 
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?  
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper? 

Who is the source of the information.

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?  
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?  
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?  
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?  
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net  

The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content. 

• Where does the information come from?  
• Is the information supported by evidence?  
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed? 
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?  
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion? 
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Think why was the information exists.

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?  
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?  
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?  
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?  
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?