Research Help

Learn how to choose credible and reliable information for your research.

How to Determine Quality

There are four things to consider when determining the quality of information. Instead of determining if a resource is “good” or “bad”, evaluate its credibility, accuracy, reliability, and relevance. Use these criteria to evaluate all types of resources, including information generated by artificial intelligence (AI). What do these terms mean?

Credibility

Credibility means how likely the information is to be trustworthy. Some indications of a source’s credibility might be:

• an author’s/presenter’s level of expertise in the field
• the trustworthiness of the source’s publisher (e.g. the journal or magazine)
• the reputation of the author and/or the publisher

Accuracy

Accuracy means how likely the information is to be correct. Some indications of a source’s accuracy might be:

• the information presented can be verified in other sources
• the information is supported by evidence (e.g. references are provided for credible sources mentioned in the work; the sources exist and are relevant to your topic)
• the information is current, or if older, is still correct

Reliability

Reliability means someone or something that has proven to be consistently correct. Some indications of a source’s reliability might be:

• a publisher that consistently publishes content that is correct

• an author who has published a number of works in trustworthy publications

• the information is presented in a way that doesn’t rely on:

  • personal opinions
  • feelings
  • sponsorships
  • advertising

Relevance

Relevance means the information relates to your topic. Some indications of a source’s relevance might be:

• the information relates to your topic or answers your question
• the information is at the appropriate level
• the purpose of the source meets your needs (e.g. information can be meant to inform, persuade, or entertain)

Resource Evaluation Checklists

Use our checklist to help you determine whether a resource is of quality.