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Evaluate

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  • Authoritative - Is your information authoritative? Who is the author? What are the author's credentials, expertise, reputation?

  • Bias - What is the bias of your source of information? Google the author. On websites, look at the 'About' page. Is their motivation to educate, to persuade, or personal gain? In the case of Biblical research, does the resource share your view of the authority of scripture? And are they using the same scriptures? Are they theologically aligned with you?

  • Reliability - Certain types of sources are considered more reliable than others. Scholarly peer-reviewed journals top the list because they are reviewed by other experts in the field before they are published. Books, newspapers, and magazines are generally editorially reviewed (however it is now much easier to self publish). Check the reputation of the publisher. Poor spelling and grammar indicate an unreliable source. Can the information be verified elsewhere?

  • Current - How current is the information? What is the publication date? When was it last updated? Depending on the type of information needed, this may not be important.

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