The ability to critically evaluate the information in a periodical article is an important skill. Simply finding an article on a given topic is not enough. You must read the article critically. This is a list of possible questions to assist you when using articles in your research.

Who is the author?

• Can you determine the author’s background, experience, credentials, or expertise?
• Is the author qualified to write this article?

What type of source is it?

• Is the publication popular or scholarly? A newspaper? Electronic?
• Is the article part of a conference proceedings?
• Who publishes the periodical - a professional organization? The government? A scholarly organization? A corporation?

Is the date of publication relevant to your needs?

• Is the article discussing current research or issues?
• Is the article written at an earlier date important to your research?

Who is the audience?

• Is the article written for the general public, specialists, professionals, students, researchers?
• Does the author’s writing style serve the intended audience?

What is the article’s purpose or thesis?

• Does the article report the results of a study?
• Are several points of view presented?
• Are there any biases or assumptions upon which the article is based? Are they clearly stated?
• Is the author arguing a particular opinion or viewpoint?

How was the data or information obtained?

• Is the article based on interviews, surveys or questionnaires?
• Is the article based on library research?
• Is the article based on observation or laboratory experiments?
• Is the research methodology explained?
• Is there a geographic, national or cultural orientation?

What are the major findings or conclusions?

• Is the author persuasive?
• Do the data support the findings?
• Do these findings respond to the original research proposal?
• How do the findings relate to your own research?
• Do the findings affect your original ideas about the topic?

How is the information or data presented?

• Are there tables, charts, illustrations, formulas?
• Are they clearly presented?
• Do these tables, etc. contribute to understanding the article?
• Are notations and formulas explained?

Are references given?

• Are the bibliographical references, footnotes and quotations adequate?
• Is the author citing other studies, conference proceedings, or other sources?
• Do the references provide leads to other related research?

How does the study compare with other studies?

• Did you attempt to locate articles presenting differing opinions and viewpoints on this issue?
• Do the conclusions support or contradict the existing body of knowledge?
• What do other experts say?

Did the article come from an electronic source?

• Use the same criteria for evaluating both traditional and electronic sources.
• Which electronic source (WorldWideWeb, Infotrac, ERIC, etc) did you use?
• Can you locate the same article again?
• Can you identify the path you used? Does the article have an electronic address?
• Do you have the complete text of the article or an abstract? Are tables and graphics missing?

Reference and Information Services
July, 1997