Finding information has never been easier or complicated than now. The internet has made it possible to share information more than ever before. It has also made it easier to spread misinformation. Before using an information source (book, article, chapter, presentation, website, etc.) ask yourself the following:
- Who wrote the book/article/presentation?
- What are their credentials?
- Where did the information come from?
- Is the source biased or unbiased?
- Can you find information from another source that can corroborate the information?
- Does the resource cite its sources?
Depending on your project and assignment, you may also want to ask:
- Is this a primary or secondary resource?
- Is this a scholarly or a popular information source?
The resources included on this page can help you understand the different types of information sources and teach you how to evaluate them.
