Journal articles are an important research resource. However, not all periodicals are equal, and the information presented may not necessarily be valuable, useful or appropriate for research use. It is up to you to evaluate and critique the articles that you read and use. The following guidelines are meant to provide a starting point for you to evaluate journal articles.

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• What is the date of publication? Is currency an important factor for you? Is the publication date timely for your purposes of research?
• How comprehensive is the article? Does the article's length and depth suit your needs?
• Is the author qualified to write on the subject? What are his or her credentials?
• What is the author's purpose? Does the author have a hidden (or not so hidden) political or ideological agenda for writing the article?
• What is the author's perspective? Does the author have a bias that might effect the credibility of the article?

• If existent, does the author state her or his bias?
• Is the journal published by a reputable source?
• Does the journal's publisher/publication have a bias?
• Are there citations, references and/or a bibliography accompanying the article?
• How did you locate the article? Is it referenced by any other trusted sources? Is it quoted by others in the field?
• Whom does the author cite? Are these authors and works reputable? Does the author provide you with primary sources?
• Who is the publication's primary audience?
• Is the article a primary or secondary source?
• From what assumptions, judgments, and inferences does the author proceed?

Concepts to consider:

Attitude refers to the author's position on the subject.

Bias refers to a special interest or personal angle.

Perspective refers to the angle or approach from which authors engage their subjects.

• Are the author's facts readily verifiable?
• What do the data or facts presented in the article really tell you?
• Do the author's statistics, charts, graphs, and other graphics provide all theinformation necessary for understanding and interpretation?
• Do any polls or surveys performed, or sources utilized, have the ability to stand scrutiny on their own?
• What type of arguments does the author use -- emotional, factual, political, scientific?
• Do the author's arguments, data, and stated facts support his or her conclusions?

Concepts to consider:

Assumptions are suppositions that are taken for granted.

Inferences are opinions based on fact.

Judgments are opinions based on values, beliefs, or philosophical concepts.

• Generalization: Use of statistics or facts to generalize across (for example) a population.
• Categorical statement: Imply that there can be no argument.
• Testimonial: To quote or paraphrase an authority to support one's own view.
• Personal attack: Criticize a person vs. debate the ideas presented by the person.
• Slander: Use inflammatory and exaggerated language instead of reason.
• Bandwagon: Argue that everyone does or believes this.
• Straw person: To distort or exaggerate an opponent's ideas in order to make one's own argument or idea appear stronger.

• Is the style of the article appropriate for the subject matter? Is it appropriate for the publication's audience? Is it appropriate for the type of research you are doing?
• Is the author's writing clear, logical, well-organized? Does it show evidence of thoughtfulness and analysis?
• Does the author care about (or even passionate about) the subject matter?
• Does the author use jargon or euphemisms? Does the use of such language help or hinder the author?
• What type of language does the author use--neutral, emotional, formal, popular, sarcastic? Is the language appropriate for the publication and the subject matter?