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Let's break down all of the elements of the source you found to think holistically about the source, its credibility, and how you can use the source.
The Internet has made finding information easy, but the influx of information at your fingertips makes your job of evaluating resources that much more important. You need to make sure that you are only using the most reliable information for your research. The CARS (Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, and Support) method of evaluating is a good tool to help you decide if the article you just found is worthy of your paper.
Fill out the document below to evaluate the sources you will use.
CARS Checklist for Source Evaluation Worksheet.docx
You want to ensure that your source is authoritative and credible. You also need to make sure that the source includes reliable evidence that you trust.
Who is the author or publisher?
Is there a mechanism for quality control?
Ensure that your source is presenting information that is correct, up-to-date, detailed, exact, and comprehensive.
Is it timely?
Is it comprehensive?
Who is the audience?
Is it accurate?
Ensure that your source's approach to the information is fair, objective, moderate, and consistent.
Is it fair?
Is it objective?
Is it moderate?
Is it consistent?
Use sources that are supported by evidence and clearly cite the evidence that they used.
How does the source cite its sources?