At UCA, we use the RADAR evaluation criteria as a way to determine the quality of a source. RADAR stands for: Rationale, Authority, Date, Accuracy, and Relevance. Evaluating these five elements in any article or information source can help you better determine if something is a reliable source or not.
The rubric below does not need to be filled out, but keep these things in mind when you look at a source.
What is a “good” source?
Poor (1) |
Fair (2) |
Excellent (3) |
Score |
|
Rationale |
-Source has a clear bias and/or uses highly emotional language; -Purpose is to sell, entertain or persuade. |
-Source is supported by a well-known institution, but displays a minimal level of bias and/or emotional appeal; -Purpose is to inform, instruct, or persuade. |
-Source was published and supported by a well-known, reputable source and is free of bias. -Purpose is to inform or instruct. |
|
Authority |
No author is listed and it is unclear who created the information. |
Author is listed without credentials, or their affiliation to the publishing body is unclear. |
Author is listed with credentials, affiliations, and contact information. |
|
Date |
No publication date is available or the content has not been updated in the past 18 months. |
Publication date is included, but source is possibly outdated: >5-10 years old for published articles >6-12 months for websites |
Publication date is included and source is current: 5 years or less for published articles 3 months or less for websites |
|
Accuracy |
-Claims cannot be verified by other sources. -No evidence provided or evidence is self-referential (no outside evidence). -Reputable sources refute claims made by the author. |
-Some claims can be verified in other sources. -For opinions/editorials:The author clearly states that they are writing an opinion and provides some reputable evidence for their statements. |
-Claims are supported by reputable evidence and can be verified in at least two other sources. -Article contains citations that are organized and appropriate for the level of the target audience*. |
|
Relevance |
-Content is unrelated to your research. -Article title and content do not match (i.e. clickbait). -Level of the content is too simple or too advanced. |
-Content is somewhat related to your research. -Level of the content is appropriate but does not add anything new to your understanding. |
-Content is related to your research. -Level of the content is appropriate and provides insight to your research concern. |
|
Total Score (a good source will be between 12-15): |
*citations are not always organized at the end of an article. For magazine or trade articles, the source for the citation should be made clear in the sentences following or preceding the quoted information.