How to… Critically Evaluate Information Resources!

Today’s Learning Goals… By the end of the period, I will have: created a properly formatted Annotated Works Cited with three different types of resources written a critical annotation for one of the three sources provided Ms. Martin with my topic and a list of the searches I’ve tried

Remember… Not every source of information is a GOOD source of information!

Key Evaluation Criteria… 1. Authority 2. Objectivity vs. Bias 3. Purpose 4. Currency 5. Scope/Coverage 6. Accuracy 7. Structure/Format

Authority Who wrote or created the resource? Is the author reliable? What education/credentials/ experience do they have? Are they experts in their field?

Objectivity vs. Bias Did an individual or organization sponsor the creation of the resource? Does this sponsor influence the views presented? Does the resource include a variety of viewpoints? What are the author’s assumptions? If the resource is biased, are these biases clearly stated?

Purpose Why was the resource created? Is the book or Web site intended to inform or persuade? Who is the intended audience? Does the purpose of the resource match your research needs?

Currency When was the book or article published? When was the Web site created or last updated? Is the resource current enough to be relevant to your topic?

Scope/Coverage How thoroughly does the resource cover your topic? Is the information too detailed? Not detailed enough? Does the resource provide additional resources or Web links? Are these links relevant and appropriate?

Accuracy What is the source of the information presented? Are the sources of factual information clearly listed so they can be verified or are they only the author’s opinions? Do the facts match those from other similar sources you’ve found?

Structure/Format How is the material organized? Is it presented clearly? Is it visually appealing? Is it easy to find what you’re looking for in the resource? Is there a detailed index?

Structure/Format cont’d… Is the content divided into logical parts? Are there clear headings and subheadings? Are there sidebars with additional, useful facts?

Structure/Format… for Web sites Is it clear and easy to navigate? Are there links to help you travel around the site? Is the site stable (will it be there later)?

How to approach this assignment… 1.Find a source. 2.Create a citation – use the Citation Maker (on your assignments page!) 3.Find your next source…remember, you need 3 different kinds of sources! 4.Choose either the web site or print resource and make notes on at least 3 of the evaluation criteria (also linked on your assignment page).

Success Criteria List of searches you tried? Difficulties? Alphabetical order? Hanging indents? 3 types of resources? 3 criteria for ONE resource? Link to YOUR project? sample annotated works cited…

Questions…?