III. Finding & Evaluating Information

Objectivity

What is the purpose of this article, book or web-site? What point of view is presented? Is the information reliable or could it be influenced by the purpose of the web page?

Example: http://www.changethatsrightnow.com/performance-anxiety.asp

When using search engines, you are likely to retrieve web sites devoted to marketing merchandise and services, similar to the example above. Perhaps these would not be the best sources for a college level paper on performance anxiety in musicians.

Accuracy		Can I verify facts and statistics quoted?
Objectivity		Does the material endorse a specific point of view on this topic?
Currency		Do I need materials written after or before a specific date?
Authority		Is the author known? Is he/she an expert in this area?
Coverage		Is the subject related to my topic?

Feel free to review this module. Once you are ready, GO TO QUIZ 3