Evaluating Information Sources:
The A.S.P.E.C.T. System

The IRIS 4-2 Evaluating modules (http://www.clark.edu/Library/iris/evaluate/evaluate_home.shtml) presents the A.S.P.E.C.T. system for evaluating information sources. Use this checklist as a reminder as you evaluate your own sources. 

Title of source: _____________________________________________________________________
Type of source:  book    magazine/journal article   web site     video    other: __________
URL (if web site): _____________________________________________

A: Authority
  Is there an author’s name?                      	
  Can you locate author’s credentials?                             
  Evidence of author expertise in subject? 
  Similar works by this author? 
  Personal recommendations for this author?  
  Publisher’s credentials and reputation? 
  Similar works from this publisher? 

S: Sources
  Is information presented as fact?  If yes…                    	
  Does the author provide documentation? (Bibliography, Footnotes, etc.)
	  If documentation/sources are included, as they from credible sources?                	
P: Purpose 
  Was this source written to inform and educate?
  Does the source argue a perspective or specific opinion?
  Is the source intended to entertain or sell?
  Is the content aimed at a general audience, or is it written for readers with expertise in the subject? 
  Is the source too basic, too technical, too advanced?
  Is the source just right for your research needs?
              	
E: Evenness 
  Does the author recognize other points of view? 
  Is the information presented objective
  If the source is biased, does the author acknowledge the bias? 

C: Coverage
  Is the information new? Does it support what you have found in other sources? 
  Is the source comprehensive or inclusive enough for your needs?

T: Timeliness
  When was the source published? 
  Is the date appropriate for your topic? 

            Evaluating Information Sources:  W.W.W. system

WHO?    (Authority)

  Who is the author of the information?                      	
  Who is the producer of the website? 
  Can you locate author’s credentials, qualifications, experience?  
  Is this site or author recommended by your instructor or another known expert?  

WHAT?    (Content)

  What is the purpose? (Educate?  Entertain?  Sell?)
  Who is the audience? (Professionals?  Scholars?  Experts?  General public?)
  Is it objective?

  Are there indications of poor quality like spelling mistakes or other obvious errors?                
  Does the information corroborate what you already know to be true?	

  Does the author provide documentation? (Bibliography, Footnotes, etc.)
	  If documentation/sources are included, as they from credible sources?     

WHEN?    (Currency)

  When was the source published? 
  Is the date appropriate for your topic?