Using Credible Internet Sources

People lie on the Internet

What does this mean for us? Choose sources that are reviewed for accuracy. Academic journals online are nearly always peer reviewed. Look for websites marked .edu or .gov – this means they are published by an educational or governmental institution. Look for websites known to be authorities on the subject (like, NASA for space exploration). Well-known periodicals (ex. The New York Times) generally report factually and objectively – the articles are edited before being published.

Why wouldn’t we want to use Wikipedia? Let’s take a look at Wikipedia’s “about us” page… “Wikipedia is written collaboratively by largely anonymous Internet volunteers who write without pay. Anyone with Internet access can write and make changes to Wikipedia articles…”

Questions to ask yourself Who is the author? What qualifies him/her to speak on the subject? Who is sponsoring this website? Are any biases at play? Where did she/he get this information? Can you verify this information from another source? When was the website published? Has it been updated recently?

When searching online, use keywords! The more specific your search is the less results that will come up Using key words allows search engines to pull from more places giving you more results If you don’t get results, try using synonyms. Instead of “teenage,” I might try “adolescent.” I also might replace “America” with “United States” and see if I get more hits.

The CRAPP Test When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it . . . but is it good information? You will have to determine that for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.

The C in CRAAP (Currency) Currency: The timeliness of the information. When was the information published or posted? Has the information been revised or updated? Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well? Are the links functional?

The R in CRAAP (Relevance) Relevance: 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 citing this source in your research paper?

The A in CRAAP (Authority) Authority: The source of the information. Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations? Is the author qualified 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

Examine the Domain edu = college or university gov = government agency or organization org = non-profit organization mil = military organization com = commercial organization info = general information site net = network provider int = intergovernmental organization

Be wary ... A tilde ~ after the domain type usually indicates a personal web page and not an official part of that organization’s site Look for personal data about the author or organization Look for contact information, an email address, webmaster, editor, etc.

The A in CRAAP (Accuracy) Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the 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 unbiased and free of emotion? Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

The P in CRAAP Purpose: The reason the information exists. What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade? Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Brainstorm What keywords will you use to research your topic? Jot down three or more. Alone or with a partner, come up with a synonym for each keyword.

Brainstorm Jot answers to the following: What credible organizations might have done research into your topic? What would make someone qualified to speak on your topic? Discuss your answers with the person next to you. Can you think of any tips for your partner?

Try it out Evaluating sources worksheet