American Indians and the Natural World

Resource Quality Evaluation Worksheet

Title of the resource you are evaluating: American Indians and the Natural World

Directions: Please evaluate your information source according to each of the criteria below by selecting the number that best represents your response.

Currency: The timeliness of the information
Is the information (while perhaps historic) current or out-of-date? Has it been revised or updated?
For example, if an historical text refers to a minority group using what would be considered derogatory language, rate it not current.
Not Applicable Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
Score=2
Explanation: The only date I could find is at the bottom, 1998. To me, this is a little out of date and should be updated.

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Is the information at an appropriate level?
For example, an elementary textbook would not be at an appropriate level and therefore not relevant.
Not Applicable Not Relevant Somewhat Relevant Relevant Very Relevant
Score=3
Explanation: The site is easy to navigate and is well organized. I personally like all of the links provided that offer more information. The information is very relevant as well as age appropriate, it would be a good source to use an elementary classes.

Authority: The source of the information
What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
For example, an anonymous author on Wikipedia has far less authority than a named author on a website sponsored by a university.
Not Applicable Not Authoritative Somewhat Authoritative Authoritative Very Authoritative
Score=3
Explanation: The site has a great sponsor in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, but I didn’t see any author listed.

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
For example, information found on About.com is somewhat accurate because it is not supported by evidence and it is unclear whether the information is reviewed.
Not Applicable Not Accurate Somewhat Accurate Accurate Very Accurate
Score=4
Explanation: I couldn’t put into better words than how it is put on the site, “About 50 Native people partnered with Carnegie Museum of Natural History to develop the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians. Their historical and cultural knowledge, personal experiences and belongings, talents, artwork, guidance and time shaped the messages and impact of the hall.” I would say this constitutes as a source for accurate information.

Purpose: The reason the information was published
Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
For example, an anti-Semitic website has an inappropriate purpose that shares biased opinion with the goal of disseminating hate.
Not Applicable Inappropriate purpose Somewhat Appropriate Purpose Appropriate Purpose Very Appropriate Purpose
Score=3
Explanation: The site offers excellent information about American Indians and the Natural World. I think it does a great job with balance of information and not giving its viewer the impression that the information is opinionated or is biased.