1. Currency.
2. Accuracy.
3. Purpose.
4. Relevance.
5. Authority.
Explanation:
All information source to be used in a literary work are expected to be unbiased, trustworthy and reliable. Also, they should be backed up by evidence from various information channels and accurate.
In order to validate an information source, it is important and necessary that the information provided is checked against other reliable sources to verify its accuracy.
Generally, when you're sceptical about an information source, you should consider the following elements;
1. Currency: the timeliness of the information. You should determine whether or not it's current i.e check when it was published, posted or updated.
2. Accuracy: the reliability and truthfulness of the information. You should determine if the information is neutral, factual and unbiased.
3. Purpose: the reason the information exists. You should consider what the intentions of the author (writer) are, is it to educate, inform, persuade, indulge or entertain?
4. Relevance: the importance of the information for your need. You should determine if the information addresses your questions or is related to your research.
5. Authority: the source of the information. You should find out who or what the information source is e.g is the author licensed or certified?
