Here's a great link to a page on the Olin & Uris Libraries of Cornell University website on how to perform an "Initial Appraisal" and "Content Analysis" of articles.
Critically Analyzing Information Sources
From: Research & Learning Services
Olin Library
Cornell University Library
Ithaca, NY, USA
(Used with permission)
The template at this link covers "How to Analyze the Logic of an Article" and "How To Evaluate An Author’s Reasoning" by posing questions to consider about an article.
(From JSD Secondary Research Guide)
Brought to you by Western Libraries, this video explains how to evaluate a resource.
You should carefully examine the content of any web site you wish to use for your research. The following web sites will assist you with validating web resources:
The more criteria listed below that a website has, the better the chance of it being a quality website.
*Accuracy. The page lists the author and/or institution that published the page; a means of contact (email, phone, address) is provided.
Ask yourself: Who made the website and what is its purpose?
*Authority. The page lists the author credentials; the URL has a preferred domain name (.edu, .gov, .org, or .net).
Ask yourself: Is the author qualified to write about the subject?
*Objectivity. The page provides accurate information with limited advertising; the information is presented objectively.
Ask yourself: Does the author express opinions or facts?
Are there a lot of ads?
*Currency. The page is current and updated regularly (as stated on the page); the links (if any) are also up-to-date.
Ask yourself: When was it last updated?
*Accessibility. You can view the information properly--not limited to fees, browser technology, or software requirements.
Ask yourself: Is it easy to find the information you need?
Paraphrased from:
Kapoun, Jim. "Teaching undergrads WEB evaluation: A guide for library instruction." C&RL News (July/August 1998): 522-523.
