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Authority Is the source identifiable? Does the author/source have expertise in the subject? Is there a sponsoring entity affiliated with the site? |
*Look for the name of the author or sponsoring entity. *Is there contact information available? *Are the credentials or expertise of the source verifiable? |
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Purpose The information is being published for a purpose. What is it? For what audience is the information intended? |
*Look for a purpose statement. *Is there evidence of an implied purpose? *Consider the intended audience based on content, tone & style. |
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Accuracy Is it fact, opinion or propaganda? Can the source of information be traced and verified? Is the information supported or substantiated by other sources? |
*Look for evidence of a particular perspective or bias. *Is the information presented in an objective manner or is it designed to provoke a certain response? *Is there an indication of the origin or source of the information being presented? *What assumptions are being made? *Compare this site to other sources of information on the same subject. Is there agreement or disagreement? *Locate reviews of the website |
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Nature of the Content Is it a primary source or a secondary source? Is it a website, digital book, republication of an article, etc.? |
*Is the site reporting original research? Is the research clearly identified? Are the research methods identified? *Is the information a compilation or analysis of previously published information? *Is the information something original in its electronic form or a republication of a book or article? |
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Coverage How in depth is the subject covered? What is the scope (limits) of the coverage? Does the site present new/unique information? |
*Is the subject covered in a general/superficial way or is it explored in-depth? *Is the coverage of the subject limited to a specific time period or area? |