IB

Purpose: Article titles often provides clues to the purpose. The title below comes from an article written by Barry W. Cull.

• What is the purpose? Is it to teach, sell, promote, entertain?
• Do the author(s) make their intentions clear? Are there biases?
• Is the information provided fact or opinion?
• Do your sources reflect viewpoints from different genders, ages, ethnic groups, etc.?

Authority: Try searching for authors using Google to find out information on their credentials.

Barry W. Cull

• Who published the article? Is it a reputable source? On web sites, always look for the About hyperlink to read more about a publisher. Sometimes it is located at the bottom of a web page.

Relevance: Does the resource meet your need?

• Does it inform you regarding your need?
• Does it support your viewpoint or provide an alternate one?
• Who is the intended audience?

Currency: When was the article written? Check the date to make sure it is the most current version. In a database, change the date of results by using the slide bar.

Accuracy: Are the author's claims supported by evidence? Is the article a peer-reviewed source such as what you can select for in a database, such as Academic Search Complete?  Peer-reviewed means it is reviewed by scholars, not your peers.