Reliable Sources

 

Do Your Sources Pass the CRAP Test? 

Evaluate your sources according to the four criteria in CRAP. Below are some questions to help you think about whether your research sources are proper for use in school.

 

Currency - the timeliness of the information 

● When was the information published or last updated? 

● Have newer articles been published on your topic? 

● Is your topic in an area that changes rapidly, like technology, health, science or popular culture? 

 

Reliability - the accuracy of the information 

● Are there statements you know to be false? 

● Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published? 

● What citations or references support the author’s claims? 

● What do other people say about the topic? 

 

Authority - the source of the information 

● Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor of the source? 

• government or military (.gov or .mil) - Government or Military websites end in .gov or .mil, and in general are among the most reliable sources on the web. Beware of political sites used to sway public opinion.

• University (.edu) - University web sites end in .edu, and are usually reliable. Use these sites with caution, checking for credibility and authority.

• company website (.com) - Company web sites generally end in .com. These sites are great for information about a particular company. However be aware that company websites are used to promote, so be sure the information is unbiased.

• special interest (.org) - While many professional organizations end in .org, there are also many .orgs that are biased and promote a specific agenda.

● What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations? 

● Is the author qualified to write on the topic? 

 

Purpose - the reason the information exists 

● Is the purpose of the source to sell, persuade, entertain or inform? 

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

● Are alternative points of view presented? 

● Does the author use strong or emotional language?

 

C.R.A.P handout download link

 

 

Web Page Credibility Checklist

Use 2 links of your choice to complete the "Web Page Credibility Checklist" activity.

Navigate the web pages to find the information needed to determine the reliability of the information.

**Right-click and open the link in a new page/tab.

   - Study of Feline Reactions to Bearded Men

   - Infosite about saving the endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus

   - Infosite about the debated existance of Jackalope

   - Learning about sending your pup on vacation on the lovely Dog Island

   - Web page about the chemical DHMO

 

Article to help answer your first question of the week: Website Research. CRAAP Test