Non-scientists and novice scientists can evaluate information based upon the general guidelines of
- Scope
- Authority
- Objectivity
- Accuracy
- Timeliness
- References
As you learn more about science, you can begin to evaluate science according to the principles of the scientific method and what constitutes good science. Not all questions are appropriate for every type of research study.
- What was studied? What was the research question? What was the hypothesis?
- How was it studied? What was the methodology?
- Was the methodology valid? Did it actually measure what it was intended to measure?
- Was the methodology appropriate for the research question?
- Were the research subjects randomly chosen?
- Was it a double-blind study? Did the researcher know who/what was in the experimental group and who/what was in the control group?
- Did any research subjects drop out of the study before it ended? How many?
- Were trials conducted? How many? Were they of appropriate size and duration?
- How long did the study last? Was the length of time appropriate?
- What were the conclusions of the study? Are the conclusions appropriate to the methodology?
- What potential mistakes could have occurred? Did the author mention these?
- Could any alternative theories or hypotheses also explain the results? If yes, were they mentioned?
- What future research might be necessary or desired to build upon the results and/or learn more? Were these possible studies mentioned?
- Who or what funded the research? Who might profit from it?
Over time, scientists learn which publishers tend to specialize in specific disciplines and/or produce high-quality publications. Some are listed on the Science Vendors Subject Guide.
Supplementary readings are listed below.
