BIOD20: Special Topics in Virology

When critically evaluating journal articles, keep the following criteria in mind:

Scope                    

• What is the purpose of the resource and what does it contain?
• Is the subject explored in depth?
• What does it exclude?
• Is it comprehensive?

Authority            

• Is the author an expert in this field?
• What is their relationship to the information contained in the source?
• Has this author been cited by others?

Objectivity        

• Does the information provided inform, explain, persuade?
• Is the author's point of view impartial and objective?
• Are counter-arguments acknowledged?
• Does it contain facts, opinions, or biases?

Accuracy            

• Are the results accurate and are they supported by the data and methodology presented?
• Does this support or contradict other articles?
• Are references to other works given?

Currency           

• Is the content of the work up-to-date?
• Is timeliness important?

Adapted from Hanover College Library