learning centre home the information centre institute home page sitemap

evaluating information sources (cont. 2)

We have considered appropriateness and currency. Finally, let's look at the importance of reliability.

To complete your assignment, generally you will require reliable information (that is, accurate and trustworthy).

If you have information you are not sure about, check other sources.

For example, websites may provide very up-to-date information, but may not always be reliable. Check the source of the web page to make sure it is a reliable source.

reliable or biased?

Rollo, Welfare student:

"I found results of an interesting survey on euthanasia for my assignment, on the internet.

When I showed my teacher she pointed out that it was on the website of an organisation which supported euthanasia.

Was it reliable information, or could it be biased (facts changed to support one side of an argument only)?


However when we checked the web page, it showed that the original source of the information was a social science journal. This was a reliable source (articles written by professional social scientists). So I went ahead and used the information in my assignment."