Library Home Page: Evaluating Sources
Evaluating Sources
An important part of the research process is evaluating the sources you encounter. This will include searching for relevant information and determining whether to use it for your research, or to discard it and seek more reliable or higher quality sources. Below is a guide on how to evaluate sources and identify false news information.
CRAAP Test
Consider the CRAAP Test when researching:
CURRENCY: When was the information written or published? Was it revised? Is it important to your research to have the most up to date information available?
RELEVANCE: Does this information meet the needs of your research topic? Have you considered additional sources of information to determine which you will use?
AUTHORITY: Take a look at the author - what credentials do they have on this topic? Is there contact information available for potential follow-up?
ACCURACY: Is the information supported by clear evidence and clear of bias? Is there any indication that it has been reviewed?
PURPOSE: Is information intended to present facts or opinions? Is the point of view objective?
Additional Activities
Drexel Library has created a tutorial on evaluating web-based sources. Practice to see how well you do in locating the information necessary to successfully evaluate a source!
Identifying Fake News
WHAT IS FAKE NEWS?
Fake news is deliberately false information that appears to come from a credible source. This information is often sensational in nature and is typically used to influence public opinion.
FACT-CHECKING WEBSITES
