Evaluate every source, no matter how you found it, using these guidelines:
Credibility:
Who is the author? Is he/she an expert on the subject, a representative from a credible organization, a columnist for a newspaper? What gives the author authority to represent that side of the controversy? (ex: US Secretary of Commerce? A lawyer? A reporter for a student newspaper?)
TIP: If there is no information on the author, try a web search on that person and the publication
Bias:
Does the source (newspaper, magazine, web site) generally lean to one side of controversies (examples: liberal vs. conservative; free market economics vs. government regulated economy)?
Evidence:
How is the author supporting her claims? Can you find this information elsewhere to confirm its accuracy and credibility?
Currency:
Are you considering the most up to date research on your topic?
