What is Source Evaluation?
Source evaluation is the process of critically evaluating information in relation to a given purpose in order to determine if it is appropriate for the intended use.
Why Evaluate Sources?
All information, especially online content, needs critical scrutiny. Use the CRAAP test to evaluate and determine the credibility and reliability of a source:
CURRENCY |
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RELEVANCY |
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AUTHORITY |
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ACCURACY |
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PURPOSE |
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Use the chart below to apply the CRAAP test to websites and other information sources:
This video tutorial explains how to differentiate between popular and scholarly sources and demonstrates how to use them correctly in your research and course assignments. Need help searching for and identifying peer-reviewed journal articles? Go to the How to Find Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles guide
Use the chart below to differentiate between scholarly/academic, trade/professional, and popular mainstream sources:
When conducting research, the ability to distinguish between primary, secondary and tertiary sources is a very useful skill:
Definition & Common Formats: | Currency, Purpose & Tone: | |
PRIMARY |
Provide firsthand and unfiltered information, without interpretation, analysis or evaluation:
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Tend to come first in publication cycle; immediate to the time period and/or event(s) Often fits in one of these categories:
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SECONDARY |
Comment, discuss, analyze, evaluate, and/or interpret primary, tertiary, and other secondary sources:
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Tend to come second in publication cycle; vary from close to or far-removed from originating time period and/or event(s)
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TERTIARY |
Provide general overviews or summaries that compile and synthesize both primary and secondary sources:
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Tend to come last in publication cycle; far-removed from originating time period and/or event(s)
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