Port St. Lucie: Evaluating Information

is it
ACCURATE

Questions to Ask 

• How recent is the information?
• Is it current enough for your topic? 
• Has it been updated or revised?
• Is the publication/copyright date clearly labeled?

Questions to Ask 

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Is it a high quality website, easy to navigate and read?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?

Questions to Ask 

• Where does the information come from?
• How confident are you of that the source of information used editors and fact checkers?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Can you verify the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Is the content primarily opinion? Or is it balanced with multiple points of view?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?

Questions to Ask 

• Who is the author or creator?
• What are the author's qualifications and credentials for writing about this subject?
• How reputable is the publisher? 
• Are there organization affiliations? And are they reputable?
• Does the information provide references or sources for data or quotations?

Questions to Ask 

• Is the creator/author trying to sell you something or sway your opinion?
• Are they defaming someone, a group of people, or trying to “stir the pot”?
• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
• Are opinions marked as opinions, or are they presented as unbiased fact?
• Who is responsible for its dissemination?
• Do the authors make their intentions or purpose clear?