Evaluating Sources
If you use the public internet to find information sources, you need to evaluate them to find out if they meet the standards of academic research.
There is nothing worse than putting in the work to cite a source and pull information from it, only to find out later that you can't use it. Remember: work smarter, not harder.
The CRAP Test
A good (and memorable!) method for evaluating sources is called the CRAP Test. You can apply this test to each source you find to determine if the source should be used.
The test covers 5 main checkpoints: Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Point/Purpose.
Read below to learn how to apply the CRAP Test to sources you find on the internet:
currency
When looking at a website, think about how current it is. Using outdated information usually means you are using incorrect information.
Ask these questions:
● 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● Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?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 on the website functional?
reliability
When looking at a website, think about how reliable it is. Remember that anyone can make a website, so you need to make sure you trust the information.
Ask these questions:
● Where does the information come from?
● Is the information supported by evidence?
● Can you verify any of the information in another source?
● Does the language or tone seem biased or emotional?
● Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
authority
When looking at a website, think about the author's authority. You should stick to information that comes from an expert and not someone that is just sharing an opinion.
Ask these questions:
● Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
● What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
● What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
● Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
● Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
point/purpose
When looking at a website, think about the author's purpose. Be careful when looking at websites created by companies and political groups. They care less about information and more about influence.
Ask these questions:
● What is the purpose of the information?
● 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, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?