Reliability
Reliability concerns the degree to which you can be sure that the information is correct. To which extent is the information credible? To which extent is the information objective? The reliability of information can be assessed by considering:
Authority of the source (author/organisation) and origin of the document
- Is the author an authority? Is he a recognised author in his field? Which organisation does he work for? What is known about the author?
- Is this a reputable organisation? Who manages its website? A document or website from a well-known, respected organisation is generally speaking more reliable than one from a questionable foundation with dubious or unclear aims
- Does the author or organisation receive financial support? This need not be a problem, but be aware that there may be commercial interests involved
- Is there any quality assessment? If so, is there an editorial board? Have articles been 'peer-reviewed'? In the case of peer review in particular, the source can be regarded as highly reliable because various experts/academics have critically assessed the article.
Content
Accuracy
- Are the facts correct? Try to find out whether they are confirmed by another source. NB: if you keep seeing the same text verbatim, the information has probably been cut and pasted, making it unlikely the makers of the website checked the information.
- Are opinions substantiated by facts?
- Does the information come from a primary source or from a secondary one?
Objectivity
- What is the purpose of the information? Is the aim to inform, form opinion, disseminate propaganda, etc.?
- Are these (hard) facts or opinions?
- Are all the different aspects of the subject discussed?
Quality of the information resource
- Does the information resource look professional?
Verifiability
- Are sources stated? What is the quality of these sources? Can it be ascertained whether the information is accurate, complete and current?
