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
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