Here is a list of Common Questions you should ask when analyzing any source for research purposes.
Currency: Information is timely
Can you locate a publication date or posted date? Are there revisions or updates to the information? Is the information current enough for your topic?
Relevance: Information connects to your research needs
How does the information compare to other sources you found? Do I need scholarly communication, facts and figures, or an emotional story? Does the information answer your research question?
Authority: Information comes from a trusted source or expert
Can you determine the author or publisher of the source? Is the author affiliated with a particular institution or organization? Is the author an expert on this topic?
Accuracy: Information is correct, reliable, and factual
Can you identify the original source(s) of information? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been peer-reviewed or fact checked?
Purpose: Information has a clear reason or intent
Is there an identifiable bias (political, personal, ideological)? What is the source's agenda (inform, persuade, sell, mislead, provoke)? Is the information factual, opinion, propaganda, or satirical?
*Based on the CRAAP test created by Molly Beestrum, Librarian, while at Dominican University.
