Analyze the PARTS before using a source.
Purpose
- What is the author trying to accomplish?
- Was it written from a particular viewpoint?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Does it contain advertising?
Author
- Who is writing your source?
- What are their credentials?
- Who has cited this author elsewhere?
- Who is publishing this source? Academic scientific journal, non-profit, cooperation, individual?
Relevance
- Does this fit your topic?
Time
- When was this published or created?
- Is there a newer version / edition / revision?
Source
- What is your source? peer-reviewed article, website, magazine article, opinion piece, blog, etc.?
- Does it contain sources?
