More about Completeness

Things to consider:

Does the source provide historical information about your topic from past years, current information, or both?

For example, if you needed basic facts about the government of Iraq today, you'd need current information. If you found a source that listed Saddam Hussein as the leader, that would not be a source you would want to use.

Does the source provide information that is local, regional, national, or international?

You are writing a paper about a California proposition on a current election ballot. You are more likely to find in depth information in a California newspaper than a national newspaper.

Is the information specific enough for your topic?

Some information sources are detailed (left), while others are more general (right).

Is the source from a point of view appropriate for your assignment?

Likewise, some sources of information present a single point of view (left), while others may include opposing points of view, or a range of viewpoints (right).

Is the information complete or abridged?

Most information is published in its entirety.

For example, this is a complete edition of the novel, Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes.

However, information may also be published in a shortened or abridged version.

This version of Don Quixote has been abridged. It has been shortened by editing some of the text while retaining the basic content of the story.

Some information sources only provide an abstract or summary of the full publication.

This source presents only a plot