Learning how to evaluate resources is a basic research skills and one of the most useful! The C.R.A.P. Method below is just one of many methods that can be used to evaluate a source.
Here are some questions to consider whan you are evaluating a resource. Having or not having some of these does not mean the source is good or bad. Remember to always evaluate the source as a whole source.
Currency
- How recent is the information?
- How recently has the website been updated?
- Is it current enough for your topic?
Reliability
- What kind of information is included in the resource?
- Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is balanced?
- Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
Authority
- Who is the creator or author?
- What are the credentials?
- Who is the published or sponsor?
- Are they reputable?
- What is the publisher’s interest (if any) in this information?
- Are there advertisements on the website?
Purpose/Point of View
- Is this fact or opinion?
- the creator/author trying to sell you something?
- Is it biased?
