Checking the Reliability of Sources

http://CheckASource.com

Created 1/19/2019

This page is intended to help you check the reliability of an article or website. Answer the questions below to determine a reliability score.

Title of the resource you are evaluating:

URL of the resource you are evaluating:

Your name(s) and school:

Part 1: How up to date is the information?

When was the information published?

Has the information been revised or updated since it was first published?

Yes No I can't tell

Is the information current or out of date?

Current Out of date I can't tell

Are links found within the site functional?

Yes No There are no links

Summary: Based on your answers, how up to date does the information appear to be?

very out of datevery up to date

Part 2: How relevant is the information for your needs?

Does the information relate to your topic and/or answer your questions?

Not at all A bit Very well

Who is the intended audience?

Is the information at an appropriate level for its audience?

Yes No

Would you be comfortable citing this source for an academic research paper?

Yes No

Summary: Based on your answers, how relevant does the information appear to be for your needs?

not relevantsomewhat relevantextremely relevant

Part 3: How reliable is the source?

Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?

If an author is named, are the credentials or organizational affiliations listed?

Yes No

How authoritative and qualified does the author/organization appear to be?

Not at all Somewhat Very

What are the author’s/organization’s qualifications to write about this topic?

Is there contact information for the author or organization on this page?

Yes No

Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

Seems unreliable Seems reliable I can’t tell

Summary: Based on your answers, how reliable does the source appear to be?

unreliablesomewhat reliableextremely reliable

Part 4: How accurate is the information?

Where does the information come from?

Is the information supported by valid evidence?

Yes, a lot Yes, a bit Not really Not at all

Has the information been reviewed or refereed?

Yes No I can’t tell

Is the information consistent with information from other sources?

Yes No

Does the language or tone seem biased?

Yes No

Is the information presented in a professional manner (proper spelling and grammar, lacking typos)?

Yes No

Summary: Based on your answers, how accurate does the information appear to be?

inaccuratesomewhat accurateextremely accurate

Part 5: What is the purpose of the source?

Does the point of view appear to be objective and impartial?

Yes No

Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases evident?

Yes No

Does anything related to this information appear to be for sale?

Yes No

Do the authors/publishers make their intentions or purpose clear?

Yes No

Is the information fact, opinion, or a sales tool?

Fact Opinion Sales tool

Summary: Based on your answers, what is the purpose of this source?

profit-driven or manipulativeunclear or mixedsolely educational

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