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East Greenwich High School Library: Evaluating Sources

Library services and resources provided to the East Greenwich High School community

Why Should You Evaluate Your Information Sources?

Information should never be taken at face value. It requires critical thinking - breaking down information, problems or questions into component parts and determining their credibility.

In-Class Assignment

INSTRUCTIONS: Read (Skim) the following two sources on the same topic:

Tips for reading a scholarly article

 

1. Stockton, N. (2015, August 11). Big question: Is my cat making me crazy? Wired. https://www.wired.com/2015/08/big-question-cat-making-crazy/ 

2. Fuller Torrey, E., Simmons, W., & Yolken, R. (2015).

Is childhood cat ownership a risk factor for schizophrenia later in life? Schizophrenia Research, 165(1), 1-2.

 

NOW ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

  1. What is different about these two articles?
  2. Can you trust the information the same coming from these sources? Why or why not?
  3. When would you use each type of source?

Evaluating Sources - The CRAAP Test

Fact Check Images

Use Google Reverse Image Search to Fact Check Images

It is important to critically evaluate images you use for research, study, and presentations. Images should be evaluated like any other source, such as journal articles or books, to determine their quality, reliability, and appropriateness.

Images should be evaluated on several levels. Visual analysis is an important step in evaluating an image and understanding its meaning. It is also important to consider textual information provided with the image, the image source and original context of the image, and the technical quality of the image. Use the document below to help guide your analysis and evaluation of images.

National Archives document analysis worksheets:

Visual literacy resources:

Applying the CRAAP Test

CRAAP is an acronym for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. 

The CRAAP Test is a series of questions to ask about any source of information.  The questions will help you decide whether your source is credible and appropriate for use in your research.

C

Currency: The timeliness of the information

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
  • Are the links functional?   

R

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

A

Authority: The source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • Is the author (or authors) qualified to write on the topic?
  • Has the piece been published by a well-known and respected publisher or organization?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
    •  examples:
      • .com (commercial), .edu (educational), .gov (U.S. government)
      • .org (nonprofit organization), or
      • .net (network)

A

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

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?  Look for authors references / citations.
  • Has the information been reviewed or referenced?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

P

Purpose: The reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective, unbiased and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
  • Does the author acknowledge alternative versions of the issues or facts?

 

Adapted from: The University of the Fraser Valley (2009). Evaluating information: The CRAAP test. Retrieved from http://www.ufv.ca/library/tutorials/craaptest.htm