Timeliness:
This focuses on the currency of the information. It involves considering whether the source is current and whether the publication or update date meets your research needs. For certain topics, it's crucial to have the most recent information, while in other cases, older sources might still be valuable.
Relevance:
This deals with how well the information you find aligns with your research topic or question. Assess whether the content of the source is related, specific, and appropriate for your needs. Determine if it covers the necessary aspects of your research and contributes to your understanding of the subject.
Authority:
Authority evaluates the credibility and expertise of the author or the organization responsible for the source. Consider the qualifications, reputation, and affiliations of the author or publisher. Assess their expertise, credentials, and whether they have a solid reputation in the field. Look for information about the author's educational background, professional experience, or institutional affiliations.
Accuracy:
Accuracy pertains to the reliability and correctness of the information presented. Assess whether the claims made in the source are supported by evidence, whether the information is consistent with other reputable sources, and whether there are any obvious errors or biases. Look for references, citations, or links to other sources that can validate the information.
Purpose:
Understanding the purpose of a source helps you evaluate its potential bias or objectivity. Consider whether the source is meant to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell a product or idea. Assess whether the source presents a balanced view or has a clear agenda or bias that may affect the information it provides.
Why Do This?
By utilizing the TRAAP test, you can critically evaluate library resources and make informed decisions about the credibility and reliability of the information they provide. By assessing the timeliness, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose of each source, you can ensure that your research is based on trustworthy and relevant information. This method enhances the quality and integrity of your work, strengthening the overall validity of your research findings. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline, and additional criteria may be relevant depending on the specific context of your research or discipline.
The SIFT method is an evaluation strategy developed by digital literacy expert, Mike Caulfield, to help determine whether online content can be trusted for credible or reliable sources of information, and is outlined in UM - Dearborn's 2024-2025 Community Read, Verified: How to Think Straight, Get Duped Less, and Make Better Decisions about What to Believe Online.
SIFT information on this page is adapted from Mike Caulfield's materials with a CC BY 4.0 license.
