Screen 2 of 3

Is the information aimed at a specialized or general audience? Consider the intended audience for this resource. Is the language difficult to understand? If the source is difficult for you to read and understand it may not be useful.
Is the information fact or opinion?

Does the author attempt to remain objective? Is the information supported by other research or has this author provided sufficient evidence? A bibliography or list of references can help you learn the author's source(s) of information.

Is the author credible? What are the author's credentials, or background in this area? Has your instructor or other scholars in the discipline mentioned this author? Has this author written other articles, papers, reports or books on this same topic? Consider these factors and then decide if and how you would like to use this author's work in research.