Evaluation of Resources
With the availability of information comes the risk of unreliable, misleading and poor quality sources. However, there are various tools and criteria for effectively assessing the quality of electronic information sources.
It is important to be able to differentiate between credible and non-credible sources, to understand the important factors that influence the quality of information and, last but not least, to gain the ability to decide independently which sources are most relevant and up-to-date for our needs. However, we need to be aware that the reliability of a source is not absolute and may depend on the specific topic or type of information. However, there are criteria that can help us make an initial decision about whether a source can be trusted and is appropriate for our study.
Tip: Not sure if a website is trustworthy? Try the CRAP Test, which focuses on four main areas: Currency, Reliability, Authority and Purpose.
Most Common Mistakes
Most common mistakes when assessing the quality of resources
- Insufficient source verification: Relying on information from the first source without verifying it elsewhere. Insufficient verification can lead to the use of low-quality and unsubstantiated information.
- Low media literacy: Limited ability to critically assess information and distinguish between credible and non-credible sources. This makes us more susceptible to disinformation and fake news.
- Use of web search engines: Relying solely on web search engines like Google and insufficient use of professional databases and libraries. This limits access to reliable and verified sources.
- Lack of citations and possible plagiarism: (Un)conscious plagiarism or inadequate use of information without proper citation.
- Trusting unverified sources on social media: Susceptibility to believing information obtained through social networks without verifying the sources, leading to the spread of inaccurate information.
- Insufficient attention to authenticity and source: Overlooking the authenticity of sources and essential information, such as publication date, author's name, institution, or country of origin. This can affect the reliability and quality of the information.
- Bias and selective searching: Being influenced by biases, seeking only information that confirms our existing views, and ignoring other perspectives.
- Lack of fact-checking skills: Insufficient access to the necessary tools and skills for verifying facts and the truthfulness of information leads to accepting unreliable sources.
Credible vs. Non-Credible Sources
Distinguishing between credible and non-credible resources
Even laypeople in a particular field should be able to assess whether they can trust the source they are working with. It is enough to pay attention to the typical characteristics that credible and non-credible sources may exhibit.
Characteristics of Credible Sources:
- Authorship Attribution:
- Reliable sources clearly state the author. Authors are experts in their field or reputable organizations with specialized knowledge in the given area.
- Reliable sources clearly state the author. Authors are experts in their field or reputable organizations with specialized knowledge in the given area.
- Verifiable Sources and References:
- They provide citations and references to trustworthy external sources, allowing information to be verified and supporting texts to be explored.
- They provide citations and references to trustworthy external sources, allowing information to be verified and supporting texts to be explored.
- Accuracy and Fact-Checking:
- Information from reliable sources is accurate and well-researched. Facts are cross-checked through a thorough verification process.
- Information from reliable sources is accurate and well-researched. Facts are cross-checked through a thorough verification process.
- Timeliness:
- Credible sources prioritize timeliness, especially in rapidly evolving fields. The information reflects the latest developments and research findings.
- Credible sources prioritize timeliness, especially in rapidly evolving fields. The information reflects the latest developments and research findings.
- Objectivity and Balanced Perspective:
- They present information objectively and impartially, considering various perspectives on the topic.
- They present information objectively and impartially, considering various perspectives on the topic.
- Review Process:
- Reliable academic sources usually undergo a peer review process, where experts in the field review and comment on the content before publication.
- Reliable academic sources usually undergo a peer review process, where experts in the field review and comment on the content before publication.
- Transparency and Accountability:
- They transparently disclose their sources of funding, affiliations, and potential conflicts of interest, accepting responsibility for the accuracy of their content.
- They transparently disclose their sources of funding, affiliations, and potential conflicts of interest, accepting responsibility for the accuracy of their content.
- Original Content and Attribution:
- They create original content and correctly attribute ideas taken from other sources.
- They create original content and correctly attribute ideas taken from other sources.
- Reputation and Citations:
- They are frequently cited and referenced by other reputable publications.
- They are frequently cited and referenced by other reputable publications.
- Consistent Writing and Editorial Standards:
- They maintain high editorial and writing standards, with minimal errors and consistent formatting.
Characteristics of Non-Credible Sources:
- Lack of Authorship:
- They often do not provide clear information about the author or the organization behind the content. The absence of identifiable authors makes it challenging to assess the expertise and credibility of the information.
- They often do not provide clear information about the author or the organization behind the content. The absence of identifiable authors makes it challenging to assess the expertise and credibility of the information.
- Absence of Verifiable Sources or References:
- They do not include citations or links to trustworthy external sources. Claims are not supported by evidence or verifiable data.
- They do not include citations or links to trustworthy external sources. Claims are not supported by evidence or verifiable data.
- Sensational or Clickbait Content:
- They use sensational headlines, exaggerated claims, or clickbait to attract attention, prioritizing sensationalism over accuracy.
- They use sensational headlines, exaggerated claims, or clickbait to attract attention, prioritizing sensationalism over accuracy.
- Outdated Information:
- Non-credible sources present outdated information that is no longer relevant or accurate. Outdated information can be misleading in rapidly evolving fields like science and technology.
- Non-credible sources present outdated information that is no longer relevant or accurate. Outdated information can be misleading in rapidly evolving fields like science and technology.
- Biased or One-Sided Perspective:
- It may show bias and promote a particular viewpoint without providing balanced information or opposing perspectives.
- It may show bias and promote a particular viewpoint without providing balanced information or opposing perspectives.
- Poor Website Design and Functionality:
- The website features a low-quality design, numerous ads, pop-ups, and broken links. A lack of professionalism may indicate unreliability.
- The website features a low-quality design, numerous ads, pop-ups, and broken links. A lack of professionalism may indicate unreliability.
- Unmoderated User-Generated Content:
- Sources that allow anyone to contribute content without proper moderation can lead to the spread of misinformation and unverified claims.
- Sources that allow anyone to contribute content without proper moderation can lead to the spread of misinformation and unverified claims.
- Repetitive or Copied Content:
- They duplicate content from other websites without proper attribution.
- They duplicate content from other websites without proper attribution.
- Inconsistent or Disjointed Writing:
- Non-credible sources may exhibit poor grammar, spelling errors, and incoherent writing.
- Non-credible sources may exhibit poor grammar, spelling errors, and incoherent writing.
- Claims That Contradict Established Facts:
- Information that contradicts established scientific or historical facts is likely unreliable.
Criteria for Quality Assessment
Criteria for assessing the quality of information resources
The path to reliable information can be as follows:
- Search in Professional Databases and Libraries:
- Use specialized professional databases and libraries that offer verified and peer-reviewed sources from recognized authorities in the field. Public search engines like Google provide a wide range of sources but do not guarantee their reliability.
- Use specialized professional databases and libraries that offer verified and peer-reviewed sources from recognized authorities in the field. Public search engines like Google provide a wide range of sources but do not guarantee their reliability.
- Identify the Authority of the Source:
- Determine who is behind the information and their qualifications. A trustworthy source will have a clearly defined authority, either as an expert, institution, or reputable organization.
- Determine who is behind the information and their qualifications. A trustworthy source will have a clearly defined authority, either as an expert, institution, or reputable organization.
- Verify the Credibility of the Author and Institution:
- Use various sources and fact-checking tools to verify the truthfulness and accuracy of the information. To assess its trustworthiness, look for details about the institution or website where the source is published.
- Use various sources and fact-checking tools to verify the truthfulness and accuracy of the information. To assess its trustworthiness, look for details about the institution or website where the source is published.
- Examine Relevance:
- Check if the source's content accurately matches your needs and research topic.
- Check if the source's content accurately matches your needs and research topic.
- Ensure Timeliness:
- Reliable sources provide current and up-to-date information.
- Reliable sources provide current and up-to-date information.
- Examine Objectivity:
- Assess whether the information is presented in a balanced and unbiased manner.
- Assess whether the information is presented in a balanced and unbiased manner.
- Check Cited Sources:
- Relevant sources must support the information. If the source is based on facts or research, verify the information provided in the citations.
- Relevant sources must support the information. If the source is based on facts or research, verify the information provided in the citations.
- Compare Multiple Sources:
- Find and compare information from various sources to verify consistency and accuracy.
- Find and compare information from various sources to verify consistency and accuracy.
- Utilize University Library Services:
- University libraries often offer special programs and training focused on information literacy. If you need help verifying and citing sources, consult academic librarians.
- University libraries often offer special programs and training focused on information literacy. If you need help verifying and citing sources, consult academic librarians.
- Thoroughly Verify AI Outputs:
- Outputs obtained through AI should not be trusted without careful comparison with other truly expert sources.