Research Guides: LAC 267-332 / Colburn: Evaluating Information

A Thought Experiment

Think about something you know a lot about, i.e. something you have a bit of expertise in. How do you know when someone you're talking to about this topic knows what he or she is talking about?

How is your judgment different when you're hearing someone talk about something you don't know much about?

Some Tools for Students Developing Expertise

Evaluating Information Sources - Cornell University Guide
THis is a good overview of some steps you can take to build your critical thinking skills when it comes to evaluating the quality of the information you find.
Evaluating Web Sites - Cornell University Guide
Web sites can be particularly tricky to evaluate. Here are some guidelines for developing good evaluative habits when it comes to determining whether a particular website is reliable.

Verification / Triangulation

The best ways to ensure that your information is accurate is to:

1. Verify the information -- if you find information from a source or website whose quality is in doubt, go to a reputable source you're familiar with or to a database to find information that supports or refutes the the less certain source.

2. Triangulate the information -- if you come across facts or opinions that are controversial or in dispute, look for three or more sources that corroborate the statement or idea.