Evaluating Sources in Annotations

When analyzing and evaluating the source...

 

Purdue University's Online Writing Lab recommends that you consider these questions.

"Is it a useful source? How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is the goal of this source?   

Was this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic?"

Purdue University's OWL offers more information about evaluating sources here.
 
Teaching American History Vermont recommends that you consider these questions...

 

"Usefulness

What does it do for your research? 

 

Reliability

Is the information accurate? Do other sources support the conclusions? 

 

Authority

Is it written by someone who has the expertise to author the information? 

What are the author’s credentials?

 

Currency

Is it new? Is it up-to-date for the topic?

 

Ease of use

Can a “real person” use this resource? What is the reading level of the resource?"

 

Cornell University recommends that you...

 

"(a) evaluate the authority or background of the author,

(b) comment on the intended audience, 

(c) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, [and/]or 

(d) explain how this work illuminates your ... topic."