4.6 Evaluating Sources

Questioning your sources is a key component of critical thinking because not all sources of information are equally credible, accurate or relevant. Questioning and examining your sources will allow you to:

• eliminate irrelevant or erroneous sources
• select sources that are relevant and reliable
• sharpen the focus of your critical inquiry
• get a better understanding of current knowledge and debates relevant to your topic
• prepare the ground for analyzing and evaluating sources (Monash University, n.d.).

Regarding research, we agree that using Google to find sources is easy and relatively convenient. Given how pressed we are for time in this modern day and age with work, school, and other parts of our lives, it’s easy to choose a research method that supports this. Very often in a class, the research process takes a back seat to available time. So we Google ideas, find sources that “look good,” and hope for the best. However, what professors read some days on the other side of that research process is often pretty thin regarding substance. Sure, a source can look/appear decent, but often, hidden issues are discovered later on…usually by the professor when grading an essay. Instructors write things like “source lacks authority” or “this is worse than a well-researched Wikipedia article.” And then there are the inevitable point deductions.

On the other hand, most everything else on the web (excluding Google Scholar) is a potential problem and credibility issues will remain. However, with some subjects, content from the web will remain an important part of our work. For instance, in the summer of 2018, students writing about immigration and the forced separation of children from parents will find the most important information in the newspapers of the day. So, for current issues, Google remains an important part of research.

The CRAAP Test

Currency: How old is this information?

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information?
• Are the links on the site functional?

Relevance: Does this information help me finish my assignment?

• 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 easy or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?

Authority: Is whoever created this an expert on the subject?

• 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 (.edu/.gov/.com) reveal anything about the author or source?

Accuracy: How much can I trust this information?

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or verified by someone other than the author?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or typing errors?

Purpose: Why was this information created?

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
• Is the information factual, opinion, or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

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