Objectivity, Reliability of Information : Questions to Ask

1.    Does the author state the goals for this publication?

    * Inform, explain, educate
    * Advocate
    * Persuade or dissuade
    * Sell a product or service
    * Serve as a soapbox

2.    Does the author exhibit a particular bias? What assumptions does the author make?

    * Commitment to a point of view
    * Acknowledgement of bias
    * Presentation of facts and arguments for both sides of a
      controversial issue
    * Language free of emotion-arousing words and bias.
    * How does author's point of view or claims compare to
      others on same topic?

3.    Is the viewpoint of the author's affiliation reflected in the message
       or content?

    * Organization's point of view on the topic being
      discussed
    * Organization's mission and activities
    * Advertising is clearly labeled
    * Benefits to the organization

4.    Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched?

    * Reasonable assumptions and conclusions
    * Arguments and conclusions supported by evidence that
      is verifiable
    * Opposing points of view addressed
    * Opinions not disguised as facts
    * Authoritative sources cited.

source

photo: dave@morguefile