Graphic by Paige Dhyne, Science Librarian at Furman University. CC-BY-ND-SA license.

Authority

• Does the writer have a background in the content they are writing about?
• Are they a science writer?
• Do they have the education necessary to write about this topic for a general audience?
• Do they write about this topic often? 
• an you Google their name and find more about their writing or their credentials?
   

Bias

• Does the website claim an "editorial point of view"?
• Can you find information about who sponsors the site?
• Is there an "About Us" or "Learn More" section on the site?
   

Content

• Does the writing seem to be crafted using sensationalist, derogatory, or hyperbolic language?
• Does the writer use expletives or "nicknames" for opposing political parties?
• Does the writing cite information in a works cited?
• Does the writing hyperlink out to original scientific research?
• Does the writing hyperlink to other articles from the same author or website?
   

Date

• How often does the website and its writers produce content on this topic?
• Is this a topic they've covered historically?
• Websites are subject to change quickly: is there a version history or updates made to the page if its a year or so old?