Use the criteria below to help you assess the quality of information you find, whether on the internet or from the library.
ASPECT helps you assess the following:
Authority:
- Who sponsors the information source? Is this a well-known or respected source?
- Who is the author? Is an author listed? Is contact info provided for the author?
- Who is the publisher?
- What credentials / level of expertise can you find?
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Sources:
- Does the source provide in-text citations?
- Are references provided?
- Are you given leads to further reading?
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Purpose/ Audience:
- Is the information there to
- Sell you something?
- Educate?
- Persuade?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Professionals?
- Consumers?
- If professional, what kind of information is it?
- research?
- literature review?
- a case study?
- continuing education?
- something else?
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Evenness:
- Is the information free of bias?
- How can you tell if it's accurate or reliable?
- Is the information from a peer-reviewed publication?
- Is it a blind peer review?
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Coverage:
- Is the information in depth and comprehensive?
- Is the info introductory?
- Is the info practical?
- Is there advertising? Does this influence information found in the source?
- Is it a research study?
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Timeliness:
- Is this current information?
- Current enough for your field and needs?
- Is it revised/updated info?
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