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Environmental Science and Resource Management

Resources for Penn State users studying environmental sciences, resource management, protection and the sustainability of natural resources.

Evaluating Tips

Think critically about web sites and print resources.


Is it Appropriate?

What type of Information is it?  Popular,  trade, or scholarly?

  • Audience:  Who is the intended audience?
  • Content/purpose:  Is the source for academic purposes or entertainment?

Currency:  What is the publication date or when was the website  last updated?

  • Does this matter for your topic or affect the  information?

 Is it Credible?

Authority: What are the author's credentials and reputation?

  • Do they have  education, experience, and expertise in the field?
  • Do they work for a reputable institution or organization?

Validity: Are assumptions and opinions stated as facts?

  • Are there references to  other works that support the information?
  • Is the evidence reliable, sensible, and  accessible?
  • Is this information unique or has it been copied?

Bias:  Is the information neutral or slanted?

  • Does it promote the ideas of  a particular group (religious, political, etc.)?
  • Does the author have an agenda  beyond education or information?
  • Does the publisher/organization have a specific agenda?
  • Are diverse perspectives represented?
  • Is anything being sold?

 

Think about the sample topic:  “What is the effect of forest fire on oak tree regeneration?”

Source #1

Source #2

One other activity!

What Type of source is this? (source #1)
Scholarly: 0 votes (0%)
Trade: 0 votes (0%)
Popular: 0 votes (0%)
News: 0 votes (0%)
Total Votes: 0
What Type of source is this? (source #2)
Scholarly: 0 votes (0%)
Trade: 0 votes (0%)
Popular: 0 votes (0%)
News: 0 votes (0%)
Total Votes: 0