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Health and Social Care

Library subject guide for nursing, midwifery, AHPs, health and social care

Evaluating Information

It's important to evaluate if any source of information is suitable for academic purposes. This includes books, journal articles and websites. Always check that the information is evidence-based. This means that the information is well-researched, reliable and trustworthy.

 

Evaluating Journal Articles

 

Use databases to find evidence-based research papers. If you’re unsure, use these pointers to help assess the credibility of individual papers.

1. Assess the Source

  • Journal Reputation: Is it peer-reviewed? Indexed in major databases (e.g. Medline, Web of Science)?

  • Publisher: Is it from a reputable academic publisher or a known predatory one?

  • Impact Factor / Metrics: Consider citation metrics, but don’t rely solely on them.

2. Examine the Article Structure

  • Abstract: Does it clearly summarize the research question, methods, and findings?
  • Introduction: Is the research question well-defined and grounded in existing literature?
  • Methodology: Are the methods appropriate, transparent, and reproducible?
  • Results: Are the findings clearly presented with supporting data?
  • Discussion/Conclusion: Do the authors interpret results logically and acknowledge limitations?

3. Evaluate Content Quality

  • Originality: Does the article contribute new knowledge or perspectives?
  • Relevance: Is it pertinent to your subject area or users’ needs?
  • Evidence: Are claims backed by data, citations, and sound reasoning?
  • Bias: Is there any indication of bias in interpretation or funding?

4. Check References

  • Are the sources current, relevant, and from credible journals?
  • Do they reflect a broad engagement with the field or just a narrow set of citations?

 5. Consider Practical Aspects

  • Accessibility: Is the article open access or behind a paywall?
  • Usability: Is the language clear and suitable for your audience (students, researchers)?
  • Citation Potential: Is it likely to be cited or used in future research?

 

Evaluating Webpages

 

Once you have searched for books, journal articles and/or websites, it's important to evaluate these sources of information to make sure they fit your academic purposes. Always check that the information is evidence-based e.g. solid and reliable research, not opinion.

What websites can I use and not use for academic purposes?
Can use Don't use
Scottish Government NHS Inform
World Health Organisation.                                         Charity websites
Policies/Guidelines Social media feeds
RCN, NMC, SIGN, NICE

 look at language- if YOU, YOUR is used then aimed at patients not health professionals

 

Remember if you're not sure of the credibility, don't use it for academic purposes.

There are several tools that can help you with working out the reliability of resources. For checking websites, try the CRAAP test  (designed by the Meriam Library California State University):

Ask yourself the list of questions from the CRAAP test below. It can be applied to any resource, but most useful for evaluating websites.

Currency

☐ Is the publication or update date clearly listed?

☐ Is the information recent enough for your topic?

☐ Are links and references still active and relevant?

Relevance

☐ Does the source directly relate to your research question or topic?

☐ Is the information at an appropriate level (not too basic or advanced)?

☐ Who is the intended audience (academic, general public, etc.)?

☐ Would you be comfortable citing this source in your work?

Authority

☐ Who is the author, publisher, or organization?

☐ Are their credentials or affiliations provided?

☐ Is the domain trustworthy? (e.g., .edu, .gov, .org)

☐ Is there a way to contact the author or organization?

Accuracy

☐ Is the information supported by evidence or references?

☐ Are there spelling, grammar, or factual errors?

☐ Can you verify the information from other reliable sources?

☐ Is the tone objective and balanced?

Purpose

☐ What is the purpose of the source? (Inform, persuade, sell, entertain?)

☐ Is there any obvious bias or agenda?

☐ Are advertisements or sponsored content influencing the message?

☐ Is the content fact-based or opinion-based?

 

Learn through Games

 

We are in an age when we can't trust all the information that is available online or in popular media.

Bad News

In Bad News, you take on the role of fake news-monger. Drop all pretence of ethics and choose a path that builds your persona as an unscrupulous media magnate. But keep an eye on your ‘followers’ and ‘credibility’ meters. Your task is to get as many followers as you can while slowly building up fake credibility as a news site. But watch out: you lose if you tell obvious lies or disappoint your supporters!