Fact or CRAAP: Evaluating Internet Sources by Stephanie

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Slide Notes

The CRAAP Test Handout: https://www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/eval_websites.pdf

One of the most important lessons you can learn about research is how to filter the BEST information on the Internet.

Fact or CRAAP: Evaluating Internet Sources

When researching for a project or paper, students often turn to the Internet first. A Google search yields myriad results, but are those results reliable? Is the information useful? Use the CRAAP Test to determine the validity of a web source to make sure the information is fact, not crap.

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Fact or CRAAP?

Evaluating Internet Sources

The CRAAP Test Handout: https://www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/eval_websites.pdf

One of the most important lessons you can learn about research is how to filter the BEST information on the Internet.

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Untitled Slide

"Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant."
- Michael Kapor

What makes a website reliable?

Evaluating Websites:
https://youtu.be/aem3JahbXfk

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HOW DO YOU KNOW?

ANYBODY can post information on the Internet:
Your neighbor
The weatherman
A 10-year old kid who loves LEGOs

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Apply the CRAAP Test

Currency
Relevance
Authority
Accuracy
Purpose

The CRAAP Test Worksheet:
http://legacy.juniata.edu/services/library/instruction/handouts/craap_works...

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Currency

Currency - the timeliness of the information

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If sources were cars . . .

If sources were cars, which would you use?

Source: http://library.austincc.edu

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OLD, RUSTY CAR

Old and Abandoned Car – This source was perfectly appropriate once upon a time. But now it’s so old it no longer runs. It’s rusty and abandoned and totally out of date. Don’t use old, outdated information. Find something that still runs.

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NEW CAR

Shiny, New Car – Current research and information is usually best. For example, if you’re researching a controversial issue, you should consider the debate that is playing out right now. In the sciences, new practices and innovations are being introduced all the time. Current information could make the difference between life and death.

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CLASSIC CAR

Classic and Well Maintained Car – This source may have been written many years ago, but it’s still considered to be a core work on the subject. You will encounter sources like this more often in the humanities and social sciences than in medicine and the sciences where it is crucial to consider the current research. If in doubt about an older source, ask your professor or a librarian for guidance.

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Check the Dates

Dates, copyrights & updates are usually at the bottom of the page

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Check the Links

Broken links or redirections are suspect

For example, take this website:
http://www.clonaid.com/

How current is this site? 2009

Notice the images are missing when you check the FAQs tab.

Let's go to Services.
Wonder what the contact form is?

Oh, it's a broken link.

If you haven't figured it out yet, this is a fake website. Cloning is currently against the law.

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Relevance

How relevant is the information to your research?

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Is the information superficial?

Superficial information is basic, general knowledge - stating the obvious, if you will. For research purposes, you want in-depth analysis.

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Is the information age appropriate?

Depending on your research topic, you need to ensure that your information is age-appropriate - not too juvenile, not too scholarly.

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Authority

Note the root word: author

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Who is the author?

Sometimes a website has signed articles, and sometimes the information is by a corporation, foundation, or group.

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Who is the publisher or sponsor?

Some sites are sponsored by larger corporations, while others are published by reputable companies.

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What makes the author qualified or an expert on the topic?

Is a mommy-blogger who loves to read a reliable source you can cite for a literary paper?

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Is there contact information?

Author contact information may include phone numbers, mailing address, physical address, email, or other form of communication.

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Check the Domain

.com = commercial website
.edu = college or university website
.gov = U.S. government website
.k12.us = public school website
.mil = U.S. military website
.net = network of computers
.org = organization or group

MYTH: Education & non-profit organization sites are ALWAYS reliable.

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Reduce the URL

to the original domain (www.abc.com)

Learn more about domains (.gov, .edu, etc.) below.
http://youtu.be/ognOAlWvu0Q

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the Tilde ~

Denotes a personal website

http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/odyssey.html

Most blogs and other personal sites will have a tilde (~) before the author's name in the URL.

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What to Look for

About Me
Contact Us
FAQ Page
Mission Statement
Who We Are Page

Some sites have a tab with this information, while others post the About page at the bottom of the website.

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Accuracy

This is the tricky part . . .

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Is the information supported by evidence?

Improbable Research:
http://www.improbable.com

Accurate, reliable sources are usually backed by

Support,
Evidence, and
Research

Does the author provide references or sources for data or citations?

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