Use the questions from the table as a guideline for evaluating the sources.
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Rationale |
1. Why did the author or publisher make this information available? 2. Is there obvious and/or extreme bias or prejudice? 3. Are alternative points of view presented? 4. Does the author omit any important facts or data that might disprove their claim? 5. If there is emotion, what is the purpose? 6. What tone is being used? |
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Authority |
1. What are the author's credentials? 2. How is the author related to your topic? 3. Is the author affiliated with an educational institution or a reputable organization? 4. Can you find information about the author in reference books or on the Internet? 5. Do other books or articles on the same research topic cite the author? 6. Is the publisher of the information source reputable? |
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Date |
1. When was the information published or last updated? 2. Have newer articles been published on your topic? 3. Are links or references to other sources up-to-date? 4. Is your topic in an area that changes rapidly, like technology or science? 5. Is the information obsolete? |
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Accuracy |
1. Are there statements you know to be false? 2. Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published? 3. Do the citations and references support the author's claim? Are the references correctly cited? 4. What do other people have to say on the topic? Is there general agreement among subject experts? 5. If applicable, is there a description of the research method used? Does the method seem appropriate and well-executed? 6. Was item published by a peer-reviewed journal, academic press, or other reliable publisher? |
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Relevance |
1. Does the information answer your research question? 2. Does the information meet the stated requirements for the assignment? 3. Is the information too technical or too simplified for you to use? Who is the intended audience? 4. Does the source add something new to your knowledge of the topic? 5. Is the information focused on the geographical location you are interested in? |
Source: Handout on RADAR Framework for evaluating sources (https://libguides.lmu.edu/aboutRADAR)