When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?
Are the links on this site functional?
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Who is the intended audience?
Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations if given?
What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
Does the domain suffix reveal anything about the source?
Examples:
.com (commercial) = use tons of scrutiny; anyone can purchase a .com address
.edu (educational) = sometimes credible; use scrutiny
.gov (U.S. government) = typically highly credible; scrutiny still advised
.mil (military) = typically highly credible; scrutiny still advised
.org (nonprofit organization) = use tons of scrutiny; anyone can purchase a .org address
.net (network) = use tons of scrutiny
Where does the information come from?
Is the information supported by evidence?
Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
What is the purpose of the information? Is the purpose to...
...inform?
...teach?
...sell?
...entertain?
...persuade?
Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
Is the information...
...fact?
...opinion?
...propaganda?
Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?