Source evaluation criteria

Group Activity Together as a group, list out all of the sources you use to consume information. Ask yourselves the following questions: Why do you use each source? What are the advantages/disadvantages of relying on these sources for information? Are these sources credible?

80% of internet traffic will be video By 2019… 80% of internet traffic will be video

C r a a p o

C r a a p o Currency Relevancy Authority Accuracy Purpose objectivity

currency When was the information created, published or updated? Date should be clearly identifiable and verifiable For websites: does site seem to be regularly maintained? Hyperlinks functioning?

relevancy How well does the information relate to your topic? Does it answer your questions? Who is the intended audience? Is the information presented in an appropriate context/reading level? (not too complex; not too simple) Have you reviewed other sources before deciding to use this one? Are you comfortable citing this source in your research and in your speech?

authority Who is the author(s)? Is the author also the original creator or publisher of the information? What are the authors credentials (occupation, education, training, expertise, etc.)? Are they clearly listed and verifiable? Who are the author’s organizational affiliations? For websites: what does the url tell you about the author or the source (.com; .org; .edu; .gov)?

accuracy Is the information verifiable? Is it accurate? Are the sources clearly indicated? What does the source offer in comparison to other sources? Are there spelling, grammar, typographical errors? Does the language use indicate any bias or agenda? Is the information crowdsourced or susceptible to user edits/modifications?

purpose What is the purpose of the information; what is the author’s intent? To inform To persuade To entertain To set an agenda To sell, provide a service, solicit contributions, etc. Are there any affiliations? Advertisements? Sponsored content? What is the outcome the author is hoping to achieve by disseminating this information?

objectivity What institution or entity supports the information (Network, company, organization, government, university, etc.)? To what extent Does the institution appear to have control over the quality and accuracy of the information? Is the author affiliated with the institution or entity? If so How? Does the author’s affiliation appear to bias the information?

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