It is important to evaluate the sources you use in your research and papers. A few suggested methods:
CRAAP -Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose Developed by Sarah Blakeslee and librarians at California State University, Chico, in 2004, the test is widely utilized in educational settings to help students and researchers discern trustworthy information from the vast array of online content. (CRAAP test, EBSCO Knowledge Advantage, 2024)
SIFT - Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and trace claims to the original content. Using the SIFT method is very useful for evaluating web sources or AI generated sources. 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.
CRAPP Test
Currency: The timeliness of the information
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has it been updated?
- Do you need the most current, up-to-date information on your topic?
Relevance: The information meets your assignment needs
- Does the source meet your assignment requirements?
- Does the information directly relate to your topic?
- Does it help you answer questions?
- Have you looked at other sources to find the best one?
Authority: The source of the information
- Who is the author or publisher?
- Are they qualified to write about this area?
- If it's a website, what does the URL say about the source, i.e. .com .edu .gov .org?
Accuracy: The reliability and correctness of the information
- Is the information supported by citations or other evidence?
- Can you verify the information with another source?
- Is the author or publisher biased or unbiased?
Purpose: The reason the information exists
- What is the purpose of the information? To inform, sell, persuade, or entertain?
- Is the information given a fact or an opinion?
- Is the author or publisher biased or unbiased?
View the CRAAP video:
SIFT
See our subject guide that explains SIFT in detail; includes short videos explaining the method)
SIFT: Evaluating web content