Unit 3 IP

Evaluating Information Whenever you come across information, in print or online, you need to evaluate its credibility. Below is a simple tool you can use to separate good information from not-so-good information. Ask yourself the questions below as you analyze your information source. The more you are able to answer YES to these questions, the more likely it is a credible source to use for your speech.

Currency- The timeliness of the information.

 Can you find a date the information was published or posted?

 Is the information timely for your speech topic?

Relevance – The usefulness of the information.  Does this relate to your topic?

 Does it help you answer your research question?

 Does it provide background, flavor, or evidentiary information?

 Can it help you find other information related to your question or topic?

 Is the information at the appropriate level for your audience?

Authority – The source of the information.  Are you able to determine who published or posted this information?

 Is the author or organization qualified to speak on this subject?

 Is there contact information such as a publisher or email address?

 Does the domain name indicate appropriate authority for the information source? (.com = commercial, .gov = government, .org = organization, . edu = education)

Accuracy – The correctness and reliability of the information.  Are the facts listed corroborated by other sources?

 Does the author acknowledge other perspectives or differing opinions?

 Can the information be verified in some way?

Purpose – The reason for the information.  Is the author free from a conflict of interest that would bias what she or he has to say?

(i.e. they work for the drug company that produces the drug they are reporting on; they have stock in the product they are testing, etc.)

 Are the author’s motives clearly stated? (Is it an opinion piece? Political message? Product advertisement?)

 Does the site give facts and data, not just opinions?  Does the information seem to be free from bias?

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