C urrency : The timeliness of the information.
- Check the date of publication.
- Look for updated or revised information.
R elevance: Determine if the information relates to your topic.
- Check the title.
- Read the summary/abstract.
A uthority: The source of the information.
- Check the author/publisher/sponsor.
- Do a brief search on the author to determine if they are qualified to write on the topic.
- Check the domain to determine the origin of the site (ex: .gov, .edu, .com, etc.)
A ccuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of information.
- Is the information supported by evidence? Check for citations and bibliography.
- Determine if the publication is peer-reviewed.
- Look for spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors.
P urpose: The reason the information exists.
- Why was the information written: to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
- Determine if the information is fact, opinion, or propaganda.
- Check for political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases.
- Determine the intended audience.
