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PA Medicine: Evaluate Sources

Get started with your research in PA Medicine.

Evaluating Sources

As part of the third step in Information Literacy, when choosing sources, it is important for you to evaluate each one to ensure that you have the best quality source for your project.  
More information about Information Literacy.
Information Literacy Graphic
Here are questions for you to consider when evaluating your sources:

Author - Who is the source of the information?

CREDIBILITY, AUTHORITY, RELIABILITY, and VALIDITY

  • Who is responsible for the intellectual content within the resource?
  • Does the author provide contact information?
  • What are the author's credentials?
  • Where does the author work?
  • Where is the source published?
  • Is the publisher well known?
  • For web sites, who is sponsoring the web site?
  • For web sites, what is the domain (.com, .gov, .edu, etc.)?

Is it CLEAR?

A Guide to Source Evaluation

Credibility - refers to the reliability and trustworthiness of the source from which the information is obtained. It is essential to consider whether the author or publisher of the information has the necessary expertise and background to provide accurate and truthful content.

Language - involves the clarity and appropriateness of the language used in the information. An effective piece of information should be presented in a way that is easily understandable by the audience.

Audience - refers to the specific group of people for whom the information is intended. Understanding the target audience can help in evaluating whether the content is suitable and relevant to their needs and interests.

Relevance - pertains to how closely the information aligns with your specific needs or questions. In evaluating information, it is important to assess whether it contributes meaningfully to your understanding or decision-making process.

Content - How is the information written?

Is the information too vague or too specific?

ACCURACY

 

  • What are the author's research methods?
  • Does the author provide supportive evidence?
  • Have other scholars cited this author?
  • Is the information accurate, credible?
  • Are the spelling and grammar correct?
OBJECTIVITY

 

  • What are the goals and objectives of the author?
  • What is the purpose of the source? (To inform? To explain? To persuade? To advertise? Something else?)
  • Is the information within the source biased?
  • Why was the source created?
  • Who was the source created for? (ex. general population, other scholars, etc.)
  • For web sites, are there advertisements?
CURRENCY

 

  • How old is the information within the source?
  • When was the document produced?
  • When was the last time the source was updated?
  • For web sites, are the links alive or dead?

Evaluate Sources Worksheet

Basis of Information

What are the sources of information THEY used?

  • Theory
  • Primary or evidence-based research
  • Opinion
  • Editorial comments
  • Advice
  • Best practices

RADCAB

RADCAB is a mnemonic acronym for evaluating information created by Karen M. Christensson (http://www.radcab.com/​)
R = Relevancy
A = Appropriateness
D = Detail
C = Currency
A = Accuracy
B = Bias

Fake News?!?

Fake news and false information is widely spread on the Internet. How can you tell if what you are reading is real? Here are some sources to help: