Method of Research--Research Process

Once you find your sources you will need to evaluate them and the best way is to evaluate this information is to gain the skill of information literacy. This is based on the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) ABC and D's criteria for evaluating information.

1. Authority & Credentials – Who is the author and/or publisher? Is the author/publisher reputable or have an established reputation in the discipline and/or field? Does the author/publisher have specific expertise or knowledge to publish on this topic?
2. Bias – Does the information express a specific point of view or opinion? Is the information written by an organization that supports a stated agenda? Is it based on factual evidence from research or experiment? Does the point of view affect the accuracy or reliability of the information?
3. Currency- What is the publication date? Is the date relevant for the subject area/topic? Is it too old? Could a more recently published source provide new and/or different information?
4. Documentation – Does the author cite other authors?  Can the same or similar information be verified by other sources?

Other Resources to analyze information 

• SIFT
• CRAAP

1. Does the resource use selective facts or does it omit facts or statistics? Factual writing will often rely heavily on statistical evidence.
2. Does the resource use language that appeals only to emotion? Does the writing include many exclamation points or all caps?
3. Does the resource promote a particular political, religious, or social agenda from one point of view? Is the author or publication sponsored by an organization that promotes a specific agenda?