Year 9: Tectonic Activity in New Zealand

Currency: Timeliness of the information

• When was the information published, posted or last updated?
• Is the information current for your topic and field of study? How recent does it have to be? Can older sources work just as well?

• Is the information appropriate for a senior secondary course?
• Is this an adequately in-depth examination or a quick summary of the topic?
• Who's the intended audience? Is it the general public, a student, a researcher or industry?
• Is the level of information too basic or too advanced for your needs?

Authority: Source of the information

• Is the author/authoring body (individual person, or institution, or organisation) established and reputable?
• Are their qualifications, credentials, expertise, experience, educational background and previous work (if any) relevant and do they add credibility to the source?
• Has the piece been published by a well-known and respected publisher or organisation?
• Do references to other sources support the writing ie is a Bibliography or Reference List provided?

Accuracy: Reliability and correctness of the information

• Where does the information come from, and is it supported by evidence?
• Does it have a Reference List or Bibliography so you can easily find and verify the sources used?
• Are there any spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose: Reason the information exists

• What is the purpose of the information? Why was it written?
• Does the point of view appear objective, unbiased and impartial?
• Is the viewpoint of the author's affiliation/ sponsors reflected in the message or content?
• Does the author acknowledge alternative versions of the issues or facts?