Transcript You don`t know. . . - LFSLibrariesofAdamsCo

Evaluating information as you research
Why should I
evaluate a site?
“Our research and development team is studying the
problem with your recent purchase...”
Why should I
evaluate a site?
“In order to fully understand Einstein’s Theory of
Relativity, you need to first...”
Why should I
evaluate a site?
“What you need to do to avoid catching the disease...”
Why should I
evaluate a site?
“One way to alleviate our economic woes and spur the
Stock Exchange would be to allow money to be spread
out more equally. We recommend placing it in the hands
of younger consumers and investors who will not...
Why should I
evaluate a site?
Because on the internet, I am a wealthy genius
who looks like...
and I’m dating...
CRAAP is an acronym
for:
C
R
A
A
P
Currency
Relevance
Authority
Accuracy
Purpose
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Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?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?
http://www.vegsource.com/harris/index.htm
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/sarah-palin/
Relevance & Depth:
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? (In
order to say “yes,” you must be comfortable with the entire site.)
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/wr/article/
0,28391,1730235,00.html
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 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? Examples:
.com .edu .gov .org .net
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fac
ts+about+the+civil+war&btnG=Google+Sear
ch&aq=f&oq=
Accuracy : The reliability,
truthfulness, and correctness of
the informational 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?
http://nov55.com/gbwm.html
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?
http://www.beefnutrition.org/
Read and
Research
Critically!
http://www.martinlutherking.org/
http://www.dhmo.org/
‣http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/explorers/
‣http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
‣http://www.thekingcenter.org/Default.aspx