The critical evaluation of information is an essential skill when conducting quality research. It is also a skill that can be used throughout your life. It involves a combination of common sense, knowledge, skepticism, and verification. Not all of the information you find will be suitable.
With so much information available, in many different formats, and from many different sources, each piece of information that you select must be carefully reviewed or evaluated to ensure the quality, authority, perspective and balance that best supports your research. But what do you look for? It can be overwhelming.
The following evaluation tools are designed to help guide your thinking as you evaluate an information source. They are not intended to be exhaustive, and there may be additional facets you should consider.