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Teacher Education Resources: Evaluating Sources

The CARS Checklist (Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support)

Website Evaluation Quick Checklist

Few sources will meet every criterion in the list, and even those that do may not possess the highest level of quality possible. But if you learn to use the criteria in this list, you will be much better able to separate the high-quality information from the poor-quality information.

Credibility: Credibility is a measure of the authenticity or reliability of the source of information. What is it about this source makes it believable(or not)? What makes a source trustworthy? The quality of evidence and argument, the author's credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support.

Accuracy: Ensure that the information is actually correct: up to date, detailed, exact, and comprehensive.

Reasonableness: The measure of reasonable information lies in its fairness, objectivity, and consistency. There are no conflicts of interest and there is an absence of fallacies or slanted tone.

Support Listed: Most information presented in an article comes from other sources. You need to ask yourself: where did this information come from? Is there contact information and available corroboration? Are the claims supported and documentation supplied? 

For more detailed information visit these sources:  CARS ChecklistThe CARS Checklist (Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support)