Source assessment
Use a consistent set of questions to examine who produced a source, what it is intended to do, what evidence it presents, and what context may be missing. This gives readers a practical starting point for comparing ma...
Start with the decision, not the noise
A useful review begins by naming the decision you are actually trying to make. For source assessment, write down the desired outcome, the practical constraints, and the information that would change your choice. This keeps the research connected to a real need instead of turning it into an open-ended search.
SPM Guardians recommends separating facts, estimates, and preferences. Facts should be checked against a current primary source. Estimates should include their assumptions. Preferences can be personal, but they are easier to compare when they are stated clearly.
A repeatable review checklist
- Define the outcome and the deadline before comparing options.
- Record cost, timing, eligibility, maintenance, and risk separately.
- Confirm important details with the responsible provider or public authority.
- Keep notes about what changed and when the information was checked.
- Pause when a claim relies on urgency, certainty, or proof that cannot be verified.
Compare like with like
Comparisons become misleading when one option includes services, protections, or follow-up that another leaves out. Create a short table with the same categories for every option. Note what is included, what is excluded, who is responsible for the next step, and which terms are subject to change. If a category does not apply, mark it explicitly rather than leaving it blank.
For decisions involving health, law, finance, safety, or regulated services, this page is general education only. Personal circumstances can materially change the right answer. Use a qualified professional or the appropriate authority for advice that applies to an individual situation.
Questions worth asking
- What evidence supports the central claim?
- Is the source current, independent, and responsible for the information?
- What trade-offs or limitations are easy to miss?
- What happens after the initial decision, including support and maintenance?
- Which detail should be confirmed immediately before acting?
Primary references
These independent resources are useful starting points. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement of spmguardians.org, and external material may change.