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Research Process: A Step-By-Step Guide: 3a. Evaluate Sources

This guide walks you through the steps of the research process.

HeLIOS Tutorial - Critically Evaluating Information

The HeLIOS Tutorial  (Hemingway Library Information Online Skills Tutorial) is a useful learning tool in graphic novel format that explains the different parts of the research process.

Watch the module on Critically Evaluating Information to get a better understanding of the CRAAP test.

Evaluating Information Using the CRAAP Test Tutorial

From Johnson & Wales University:

Evaluating Resources Using the CRAAP Method

Criteria

Questions to Ask

urrency
  • When was the source written and published?
  • Has the information been updated recently?
  • Is currency pertinent to your research?

elevance
  • Does the source cover your research topic comprehensively or only cover one aspect?
  • To what extent does the source answer your research question?
  • Is the source considered popular or scholarly?
  • Is the terminology and language used easy to understand?
  • Does the source meet the requirements of your research assignment?

uthority
 
  • Who is the author (person, company, or organization)?
  • Does the source provide any information that leads you to believe the author is credible or an expert on the topic?
  • Can you describe the author's background (experience, education, knowledge)?
  • Does the author provide citations? Do you think they are reputable?

ccuracy
  • Can facts or statistics be verified through another source?
  • Based on your knowledge, does the information seem accurate? Does it match the information found in other sources?
  • Are there spelling or grammatical errors?

urpose

 
  • What is the purpose or motive for the source (educational, commercial, entertainment, promotional, etc.)?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the author pretending to be objective, but really trying to persuade, promote or sell something?
  • Does the source seem biased?