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First Year Writing: Evaluating Resources Checklist

Bias

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bias is defined as, "A tendency, inclination, or leaning towards a particular characteristic, behaviour, etc.; a propensity. Also: something, esp. an action or practice, to which a person is inclined or predisposed." (https://www.oed.com/dictionary/bias_n?tab=meaning_and_use#1320706760)

Since bias is part of human nature, it cannot be totally avoided.  So, how do we deal with it as researchers?

Bias enters research at all stages and often influences the magnitude and direction of results. To obtain the least biased information, researchers must acknowledge the potential presence of biases and take steps to avoid and minimize their effects. Equally, in assessing the results of studies, we must be aware of the different types of biases, their potential impact and how this affects interpretation and use of evidence.

Evaluating Resources Checklist

Accuracy

Just because information is published in a book, journal or on the web, does not guarantee that it is accurate.

Questions to Ask:

•Is the information referenced so that you can verify the accuracy? Are citations and sources listed?
•Is the information reliable or free from error?
•Is there evidence to support conclusions?
•Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published?
 
Authority
 
Authority is the source of the information. A good authority will provide information to verify who they are and include sufficient credentials or contact information.
 
Questions to Ask: 
 
•Who is the author? What are the credentials of the author? With whom are they affiliated with? Does their affiliation affect their credibility?
•Is the author an expert on the subject?
•Does the author have contact information available?
•Who is the publisher? Is the publisher reputable?
•Is the publisher scholarly? Or is the publisher commercial, a self-publisher or government? What else has the publisher published?
 
Objectivity
 
It is important to keep in mind that all sources have the potential to have a bias no matter what format (book, article or website) and no matter who is responsible for the material (author, publisher or funding source).
 
Questions to Ask:
 
•What is the purpose? What are the authors trying to accomplish?
•What topics are covered?
•Is the information fact or opinion?
•Is there a particular position on the subject? Can you detect a bias?
 

Currency

The currency of a resource is important because information from older sources may be outdated, inaccurate or superseded by more recent publications.

Questions to Ask:

•When was the information created or last updated? Is there a date for when the information was last revised?
•Is the information still valid? Has it been superseded by newer research? 
•On websites, do the links still work? If not, it may be an indication that the information has not been updated recently.

 

Coverage

Think about if the information adequately covers the subject. Look for a statement describing the purpose of the source.

Questions to Ask:

•Is the information relevant to your assignment?
•Who was it written for? Was it written for a general audience, consumers or people in a specific profession?
•Is the information complete? How in depth is the information?

What is this thing?