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.
MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Untitled Slide
"Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant."
- Michael Kapor
What makes a website reliable?
Photo by Consumerist Dot Com
HOW DO YOU KNOW?
ANYBODY can post information on the Internet:
Your neighbor
The weatherman
A 10-year old kid who loves LEGOs
Photo by KarenBaijens
Apply the CRAAP Test
- Currency
- Relevance
- Authority
- Accuracy
- Purpose
The CRAAP Test Worksheet:
http://legacy.juniata.edu/services/library/instruction/handouts/craap_works...
http://legacy.juniata.edu/services/library/instruction/handouts/craap_works...
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If sources were cars . . .
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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 It’s rusty and abandoned and totally out of date. Don’t use old, outdated information.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.
Photo by I_am_Allan
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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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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Check the Dates
Dates, copyrights & updates are usually at the bottom of the page
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Relevance
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Is the information superficial?
Superficial information is basic, general knowledge. For research purposes, you want in-depth analysis.
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Is the information age appropriate?
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Authority
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Who is the author?
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What makes the author qualified or an expert on the topic?
Who would you trust to perform surgery on you?
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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.
Photo by MISTER_BLACK
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, government, military & organization sites are ALWAYS reliable.
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to the original domain (www.abc.com)
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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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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?
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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Would you trust this bridge for support?
Would you trust this bridge to support you?
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Are there spelling, grammar, or other errors?
Scholarly, peer-reviewed articles are proof-read and edited for mistakes.
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Persuade
- Inflammatory language or tone
- Marketing ploys - testimonials
- Solicitation - donations, sales
- Opinions rather than facts (no sources)
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Inform
- Neutral language or tone
- Professional layout/design
- Facts, statistics, data
- Case studies, experiments
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Entertain
- Emotionally charged language/tone
- Recreational games, videos, content
- Flashy graphics and animations
- E-commerce - online sales, subscriptions
- Littered with advertising
Photo by Code Arachnid
