Is the article from a subject specific database?
Have you narrowed to peer reviewed, as necessary?
Review the article citation or abstract for basic information:
Review the Article Content
- Is the article thoughtfully researched and presented, based on factual information?
- Is the topic coverage marginal or extensive?
- Is the article clearly organized, with subheadings and distinct parts like abstracts, overviews, analyses, introductions and conclusions?
- Are the facts clearly presented?
- Is material repeated?
- Is the text written in lay terms, or the language of your discipline?
- Is the article at an appropriate level—too technical, too easy
- Does the article pose alternatives, or reach definitive conclusions?
- Does the article include bibliographies, footnotes, citations?
- Does the article refer to other experts and other studies?
- Is the material primary or secondary in nature?
- Does the work add new insight on the topic or rehash older material?
- Is the article dated? Current? Historical?
- What is the relationship between the article title and the article text?
- How relevant is the article to your topic: how many times is your topic mentioned in the text? In the title? In the subject line?
- Is there an evident bias? Is the language inflammatory or impartial? Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
- How long is the article? Is the length suitable to your needs—or is it too long or too short?
What do you know about the publication’s reputation?
- Has the publication received industry awards?
- Do other authors and researchers frequently cite the publication?
- How does the publication compare to the competition?
- Is the publication mentioned as a key source for your discipline in reference materials?
