Evaluating Sources
Ensuring that you use credible and appropriate sources for your assignment is essential when crafting and supporting the point of view you are taking.
Types of information sources
Knowing your source of information
No matter what information you are wanting to use you should always check where the information is coming from.
The continuum can assist you in knowing how sceptical of the information you should be in order to use it for your assignment.
Methods of evaluating information sources
Having credible sources of information for your assignments is critical to make sure that your information that you present for your point of view enhances your argument.
The video Evaluating sources for credibility goes through this to help you understand this process.
There are many different methods for evaluating sources of information. Two methods for source evaluation that can be used are listed below.
C.R.A.A.P
The CRAAP test looks at 5 different criteria for identifying if a resource/website is appropriate to use for assignment.
Currency
How old is the source that you are looking at? Should you find more recent information?
Relevance
What is the depth of the knowledge contained? If basic, would it be appropriate to find something more in-depth?
Authority
Is the article written by someone who is an expert in the field? Can you verify the credentials of the author?
Accuracy
Is there referencing or evidence (such as data) used to support the discussion? Can you support the information through other sources?
Purpose
Is the intention of the source to inform people, entertain or sell something?
Questions ~ Evaluation Criteria NAU
Asking yourself questions under larger topics can help in the understanding the credibility of a source of information at a deeper level.
This infographic was created by the Northern Arizona University.
Applying your source evaluation
