A look at evaluating online sources using the PACAC method detailed in The College Student's Research Companion, 5th ed.

1. Chapter 2: Evaluating sources GEN 130, Fall 2011

4. Websites

5. Articles

7. Purpose Why was the information written? What type of appeal used? Is the information free from bias? What is the intended audience for the info?

9. Career

10. Other works

12. Accuracy No factual inaccuracies, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors. Information is well organized. Bibliography of references. Links to related websites.

13. Content Does is answer any questions you have about the topic? Does it cover the topic fully?

14. Can I apply this elsewhere? These criteria also useful in evaluating: Magazine/journal/newspaper articles DVD and online video Books (electronic and print) Evaluation following this pattern can help you write better annotations.

15. In everyday life, people will ask you to: buy their products agree with their opinions rely on their data vote for their candidate consider their perspective accept them as experts Up to you to decide their purpose, authority, currency, accuracy and the value of the content. How else can I use this?