Finding & Evaluating Sources

Introduction

As a reminder, sources in a piece of academic writing are the materials from which the writer gathers ideas and information.

Print sources, such as books and journals, are the most frequently used sources in academic writing.

Sources are not just limited to what you read.  Sources can be any kind of information beyond text, such as:

• Interviews

• Videos

• Audio clips

• Photographs

• Social Media

• Etc.

For a more comprehensive list of different types of sources with examples, please revisit All About Evidence: The Basics.

The following information on this page goes into depth of Step 6 of Eight Steps to Research.

Choosing Sources: The CRAAP Test

CRAAP is an acronym for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. You may use the CRAAP Test to evaluate and choose your sources.

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• Is the information current or out of date for your topic?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?   

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?

Authority

The source of the information:

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?

• Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?

• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?

• What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?

• 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)

Accuracy

The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content:

• Where does the information come from?

• Is the information supported by evidence?

• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?

• 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?

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 and impartial?

• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

You may use this checklist when evaluating sources using the CRAAP Test.

Choosing Sources: More Detailed Approach

The CRAAP Test is great for a quick way to evaluate and choose sources, but what if you want an even more detailed approach that breaks down the method even further.  The following steps will help.

Step One

Consider the value each source provides to you:

• Is the information helpful for your particular assignment?

• Does it help answer your research question(s)?

• Is the source providing you with a different perspective on your topic or changing your beliefs about your subject?

Step Two

When conducting your initial assessment of the source, consider the following questions to guide you:

• What qualifies the author to write on this subject?

• Is the author affiliated with a reputable institution in this field?

• Is the author credentialed or otherwise considered an expert in this field?

• Is this source current?

• Is this the most recent edition?

• Is the publisher reputable?

• Is the journal reputable?

Step Three

Consider some of these elements as you review each source:

• Who is the intended audience?

• Is the author presenting her opinion or interpretation as the truth, or stating facts?

• What supporting evidence does the author provide?

• Did the author perform the research, or curate and present the research of others?

• If the author used the research of others, are the sources the author cites credible?

• Are there errors or omissions of fact?

• Is the author writing objectively and without bias?

Step Four

Compare the sources you have left after going through Steps 1-3 by asking the following questions:

• Is this source different from your other sources, or does it repeat information you already have?  

• If there are repetitive sources, which one provides the best information based-on the criteria from Steps 1-3?