Currency refers to the timeliness of the information. Ask:
- When was the information posted or published?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Does your topic require current, up-to-date information?
- Are the links functional?
Relevance refers to the importance of the information to your topic. Ask:
- Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information, language, and terminology at an appropriate level (not elementary, not too technical)?
- Does this source add to your body of knowledge on the topic?
Authority refers to the source of the information. Ask:
- Who is the author/publisher/source?
- What makes this author/publisher/source an authority on this topic?
- What are the author's credentials?
- What is the URL domain (.com, .gov, .edu, .org)?
Accuracy refers to the reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content. Ask:
- Is the content making extraordinary claims or claims that sound very different from other research you have found?
- Is the information supported by evidence such as links to other credible sources or a reference list?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Is the language unbiased and objective?
- Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
Purpose refers to the reason the information exists. Ask:
- Is the information posted to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
- Does the author express personal opinions?
- Is the content objective and impartial?
- Is the content trying to sell a product, service or idea?
- Is the website satire?
