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Evaluating Your Material

Currency

  • When was the resource published? Older material is suitable for establishing a historical context but not for information on current issues.

  • Website Specific
  • When was the site last updated and by whom? Avoid using undated websites.

  • Authority

  • Who is the author or editor? Are their qualifications, experience, institutional affiliation and other publications listed?
  • Can the author be contacted for clarification?

  • Website Specific
  • Who created the website? Are adequate contact details and/or provenance available for the creator? An email address is not sufficient.

  • Purpose

  • Is the purpose of the writing clearly stated? Is it technical or clinical? Choose sources relevant to your needs e.g. if searching in the medical field for statistics avoid resources aimed at clinical practitioners;
  • Who is the intended audience? At what academic level is the material pitched?
  • Is the material factual, opinion or propaganda?