HPU Library Tutorial: Evaluating Information Sources

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Information is everywhere, however much of it has to be viewed with a discerning eye.  Not all information you come across will be valid, useful or accurate.

Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose are the criteria used to evaluate information.  By answering the questions below in each of the criteria found in the CRAAP test, you can determine if the information source in question passes the test.

This tutorial will allow you to apply the evaluation criteria.  To get started, click on this Sustainability Table website link and the forward arrow.  

Evaluating Information Sources

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 Currency: The timeliness of the information.

How important is it for your topic to have recent information? Information from the fields of science, technology and health need to be as recent as possible.

When was the information on this website posted?

Evaluating Information Sources

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Relevance: The degree to which the information fulfills your information need.


Is the information you are looking at related to your topic? What type of information do you need? (Example: primary - secondary sources, statistics, background information)  Does the source provide you with the right amount of information needed?

Does the website contain statistical information on the regulation of organic farming?

Evaluating Information Sources

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Authority: The source of the information.

Is the author qualified to write about this topic? Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address? Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Locate the author or sponsor and Google the name to find out more. What else have they published on the topic? Are there any credentials that establish them as experts in this field?

Is there information on the contributors to this website?  Are those involved credible authorities in their field?  Can I find contact information about this organization?

Evaluating Information Sources

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Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.

Are the images labeled and credited? Has the information been reviewed? Does the language and tone seem unbiased? Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?

Are the sources sighted on the website?

Evaluating Information Sources

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Purpose: The reason the information exits.

Is the information fact or opinion? Is it stating a point of view, promoting an idea, service or product? Is there factual evidence in the form of statistics, tables or graphs for opinions?

Do the authors and sponsors make their intentions or purposes clear?

Evaluation Tools

More helpful tools to help you evaluate information sources!

CRAAP Test Rubric (for Websites from the
Ron E. Lewis Library)

This rubric applies the CRAAP test to assessment indicators that can be used to evaluate websites. 

CRAAP Evaluation Worksheet

Evaluating Information from a Citation

Video Resources on Evaluating Information Sources

The CRAAP Test in action:  Websites

This 5-minute video demonstrates how to use the C.R.A.P. test (Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose/Point of view) to evaluate websites on the topic of performance enhancing drugs in sports. (From the Portland State University Library)

 

 

 

 

Quiz

Is it important to always evaluate information sources before using it?

Is information that is posted on the web always reviewed?

Can I apply the CRAAP test criteria to books, journal articles, etc.?

Certificate

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