Module 4

Evaluating the Credibility of the Source

Desired Learning Outcomes

A. To DEFINE source evaluation
B. To ANALYZE why we should evaluate sources
C. To APPLY the CRAAP (Currency, Relevance, Authority Accuracy, and
Purpose) test to evaluate the credibility and reliability of a source
D. To PRESENT a reading or a review of related literature using the CRAAP
test or other form of source evaluation
Where do you usually get info?
What is Source Evaluation?
• Source evaluation is the process of critically evaluating information in
relation to a given purpose in order to determine if it is appropriate for
the intended use.

Why Evaluate Sources?

• Information can be out-of-date, inaccurate, and even purposely
misleading (such as propaganda).
• Some forms of information, such as websites, allow anyone to
contribute content or exist only to sell products or ads by generating
traffic.
All information, especially online content, needs critical scrutiny.
Use the CRAAP test to evaluate and determine the credibility and reliability of a source:

• The timeliness (i.e. publication date, revision history) of the information.

CURRENCY
• Broken links or old dates indicate a source has not been updated recently.

• The importance of the information for your needs.

RELEVANCY
• Consider your audience and compare with a variety of sources.

• The originating source (author, publisher, sponsor) of the information.

AUTHORITY
• Check for contact information and the credentials of the author.

• The reliability (source, evidence, truthfulness) of the information.

ACCURACY
• Think about the source and look for evidence of bias or error.

• The reason (teach, sell, entertain) the information exists.

PURPOSE
• Identify the type of information (fact or opinion) and the intent of the author.
Criteria Questions to Ask Purpose and Tips
Currency • When was the information A recent update does not mean the
published or posted? information is current. The content
(timeliness of • Has the information been revised might still be out of date even if the
the or updated? date given is recent.
information)
• Is the information current or
out-of-date for your topic?
• Are the links functional or Broken links are one indication that
broken? a website has not been recently
• When was the page created? updated.
Relevance • Does the information relate toy
our topic or answer your
(importance question?
of the • Who is your intended audience?
information
for your
• Is the information at an
needs) 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? How does
the site compare with other
sites?
• Is the site intended to be
general comprehensive or
selective?
To identify the target audience, look
at:
• Reading level (is it easy or
challenging? Does it assume
previous knowledge with the
topic?)
• Design of the page (are there
banner ads, flashy graphics, or plain
text?)
• Possible target demographics (is
the information aimed at academic
researchers, kids, consumers,
political activists, or another type
of person?)
Authority • Who is the author, publisher,
source, or sponsor?
• Are the author’s credentials
(Source of or organizational affiliations
the given? If yes, what are they?
information)
• What are the author’s
qualifications to write on the
topic?
• Is there contact information,
such as publisher or e-mail
address?
• Does the URL reveal
anything about the author or
source?
Go to the “About” to learn about the
website or organization’s purpose.
The URL ending domain will tell you
where the information came from
geographically or the type of
organization that maintains the website:
.org: Advocacy website, such as non
profit organization
.com: A business or commercial site
.edu: A site affiliated with higher
education institution
.gov: A government site
Accuracy • Where does the information
come from?
(reliability, • Is the information supported by
truthfulness, evidence?
and
correctness
• Has the information been
of the reviewed or referred?
content) • Can you verify the information
in another source or from
personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone
seem biased or emotional?
• Are there obvious errors
(spelling, grammar etc.)?
Many websites, particularly non-profit
organizations or advocacy groups, will
have a particular agenda or purpose
that results in information with bias.
A bias is not necessarily bad, but it is
very important to take it into account
when interpreting or using the given
information.
Consider if author is fair, balanced, or
moderate in their presentation or
viewpoint. Is he or she overly
emotional or extreme? Is there a
conflict of interest due to the author’s
affiliation or perspective?
Purpose • What is the purpose of the
information? Does it inform,
(Reason for persuade, sell, or entertain?
the • Are the intention of the
information to
exist)
authors/sponsors clear?
• Does the point of view appear
objective?
• Are there political, cultural,
institutional, or personal biases?
Websites may have several purposes,
such as to persuade and entertain at
the same time. It is important to
analyze if one purpose conflicts with
the information found on the
website.
Consider unstated purpose that are
found in clues such as the aim of the
organization or the use of advertising
on the page.
WORKSHOP
Students will be given an “Evaluating Sources Check List”.
If time permits, they should be able to complete it within the day,
otherwise, it will be given as their assignment.
Each student is expected to evaluate at least 3 literature. (See attached document)

Sources:
Babbie, Earl. (2002). The Basics of Social Research. SAGE Publications Ltd. California
Gray, David E. (2004). Doing Research in the Real World. Wadsworth/Thompson Learning. California
Bow Valley College. (n.d.) How to do Research for College Assignments: Evaluate Your Sources. Retrieved from
https://bowvalleycollege.libguides.com/research-help/evaluation