However, on the web, anyone with access to the Internet can publish. This guide will help you to evaluate resources you use for research, whether it is an online or print journal article, a website, a book, a newspaper article, or other source that you want to cite. Items can be picked up at the Noel Wien Library or the North Pole Branch. Is the information current or out-of date for your topic? If research results are given, consider not only the date of the publication but also when the research was actually conducted. Evaluating Information Sources This guide will help you to evaluate resources you use for research, whether it is an online or print journal article, a website, a book, a newspaper article, or other source that you want to cite. While a reader can easily note this information in a book or periodical article, the web user must often search through several pages, if the information is provided at all. Information sources with broad, shallow coverage mean that you need to find other sources of information to obtain adequate details about your topic. Do not assume that information on the web is more current or accurate. Sources provide evidence. There are many situations in your personal life where evaluating information is of great importance; while it is also crucial for the business community. The changing nature of the web and web documents create major problems with the stability of information and with links between different units of information. Are critical reviews available (for books, films, literature, music, art)? When you do research, you want to find the best information to support your ideas. Information that has no identifiable publisher or author should not be relied on, unless it is backed up by information from other sources that meet the criteria for credibility. Noted resources are accessible via the Databases by Title page. Documents may cover only part of the topic, and you may need more sources to have a more thorough understanding. Who is the author or creator (who is responsible for the intellectual content) and what are his or her credentials? There probably is no absolute objectivity upon which everyone could agree. Evaluation ensures that you can use the information you find. Data and information must be based on observations, measurements, analyses, interpretations and conclusions. Has the information been revised or updated? Is the author qualified to write on the given topic? CRAAP is an acronym for: Sometimes information about an author is available in sources other than the document at hand. To find the most relevant information for your topic and assignment, To ensure the quality and reliability of your research, To find expert views, opinions, and research on your topic, To weed out unreliable, biased, outdated, and/or incorrect information, To make sure you get the information your professor is seeking, Evaluating Web Pages: Questions to Consider, Healey Library | University of Massachusetts Boston | 100 Morrissey Blvd | Boston, MA | 02125-3393 | 617-287-5900. Importance of evaluating Evaluating information sources is an important part of the research process, and it can be done quite easily with the CRAAP test. Each web page will have to be examined critically. Evaluating information sources is a important part of the research process. Evaluating Information: Internet Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Email: AskRasmusonLibrary@uaf.libanswers.com ... Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs. When was the information published or posted? Obtaining new information is always necessary for the enhancement of your knowledge. Evaluating Information Sources Search this Guide Search. R eliability: importance of the information Users must be able to critically evaluate the appropriateness of all types of information sources prior to relying on the information. You’ll find the bibliographic citation in a catalog or index. This  financial support may skew the subject coverage by the publication. How reliable are the cited sources? Noted resources are accessible via the Databases by Title page. Simply put, a new story is only as good as its sources. Be aware that the "Last updated" date of the web page may differ from the date of the content. Look for a statement describing the purpose or coverage of the source and consider if the information is in-depth enough for your needs. When evaluating information found on the Internet, it is important to examine who is providing the "information" you are viewing, and what might be their point of view or bias. Use these techniques for information you find on websites and in books, journals, newspapers and magazines. Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-6800 The CRAAP Test and Evaluating Resources Learning Outcomes: After completing this chapter you will be able to: identify key components to evaluating information, apply the CRAAP test as an evaluation tool. Accuracy is all important in any writing, especially when … Selecting the best information source for your topic is part of evaluating your sources Discuss the importance of evaluating sources and understanding biases Perhaps never before in mainstream discussion has the importance of evaluating sources been more important. It is essential to evaluate information and its source. 2. So, be sure to figure out where the support is coming from and why. Currency is especially important in the sciences where new developments occur frequently. This may mean checking three dates, the date the page was last updated or posted to the web, the date of publication, and the date of the research or statistics used. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Applie d to the evaluation of information sources, this means that ev idence-bas ed evalua tion exa mines the evidence on which the conclusion s of a given source are based. Printed information in books and periodicals follows established linear formats for logical and effective organization. This handout is designed to help you evaluate the sources you find in your research. Visit the UA coronavirus information website to learn how the University of Alaska is responding to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and find links to communications, policy guidance and resources. 2. The importance of timeliness—when a source was published--varies according to your purposes and topic. Once in print, information remains fixed for all time. Look for an "about us" or "FAQ" (frequently asked questions) page. Evaluating information sources Learning how to critically evaluate information is an important research skill. Why Is It Important To Evaluate Sources? Review the tips for identifying. Not all information sources will be authoritative, reliable, or well researched, but this does not mean they are not valuable for your field of study. There is no standard format for web sites and documents. organizational structure, meet various sources of information that are used depending on the needs of the organization and which require the exercise of effective listening process. Evaluating your sources Understanding how to assess the credibility of the information you come across in your study and research is essential. Biases, hidden agendas, distorted perspectives, commercial promotions, inaccuracies, and so on are not monitored. The internet was originally designed as a medium to exchange scientific and military research data. Web Sites, Evaluating Information: Internet Resources. Materials in printed form are stable. Are the links functional? Searching the library? Check with a librarian for other useful databases. The effect of “fake news,” and contested information is now a common feature of contemporary life. - provide general information; to entertain - provide practical information to people in a specific field - inform or make original research available to the scholarly world: References - may mention sources in text, but no formal citations (i.e., bibliography) - may … One can easily be led astray and distracted from the topic at hand. Analysis of the URL sometimes provides an indication of identity of the web site sponsor. On the Web, there is no systematic monitoring of much of what appears, except, of course, for articles published in the online forms of otherwise reputable scholarly journals and books. Be sure to distinguish between the author of the information and, if separate, the Webmaster who put it up. Of all these different information sources, three sources of information requests equally effective listening exercise process [1]. How recent is the information? Some things to consider in evaluating the quality of research sources: C urrency: the timeliness of the information. Applie d to the evaluation of information sources, this means that ev idence-bas ed evalua tion exa mines the evidence on which the conclusion s of a given source are based. It will be a written description of a book, journal article, essay, or some other published material and will generally include three main components: author, title, and publication information. Evaluating Information Evaluating Sources How to evaluate information, from social media to scholarly articles. Evaluating information usually consists of weighing a number of criteria together, so you will need to assess how important authorship is on a case-by-case basis. This guide will help you to evaluate resources you use for research, whether it is an online or print journal article, a website, a book, a newspaper article, or other source that you want to cite. A look at a few characteristics of print and Internet sources will identify major quality distinctions between print and Internet information sources. Save time by looking in particular places in sources for information that will help you figure out whether the source is relevant to your research project. Evaluating Information Sources RELEVANCE Since you are the one who is writing the paper, you are the best judge of the relevance of the information source. Using the library databases? This section provides information on evaluating bibliographic citations, aspects of evaluation, reading evaluation, print vs. online sources, and evaluating Internet sources. Internet sources are also not stable. Follow the Money It takes time and money to support a high quality website. Evaluating your sources. Introduction: This chapter will outline some key concepts to consider when analyzing internet sources. Determining exactly what the information covers and to what extent it fully covers the topic is another aspect of evaluating information. Just because a book, article, or website matches your search criteria does not mean that it is necessarily a reliable source of information. University patrons who are reluctant to enter the library can still check materials out by appointment. Evaluating information encourages you to think critically about the reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, point of view or bias of information sources. Is the author's e-mail address, postal address or phone number provided? Sometimes simply typing an author’s name into a search engine will give you an initial springboard for information. Relevant and informed sources can help you to support and prove your thesis and persuade your audience, so evaluating and selecting sources carefully is an important part of writing a strong, convincing paper. Are sources of information listed in foot/end notes, bibliographies, or lists of references? The following criteria are useful in examining information from a book, a magazine, on a website, or social media. Consider your audience and compare with a variety of sources. This page was last modified on October 15, 2018, Alaska & Polar Regions Collections & Archives, Oral History Program - Frequently Asked Questions, AHP CPSU and ANCSA 14(h)(1) Historical Places and Cemetery Sites Collection, Rasmuson Library Historical Translation Series, Giving to Alaska & Polar Regions Collections & Archives, Online Subscription Databases vs. Evaluating Sources Tutorial Importance of Evaluating Sources, Especially Websites. Elmer E. Rasmuson Library © 2014-2020 Critical thinking is a process used to think about and evaluate information and reach a conclusion. Is there contact information, such as an email address, somewhere on the page? Pinpoint sources that are reliable and relevant to your research topic Use specific and consistent criteria for judging accuracy and quality Detect indicators of questionable information sources Demonstrate the thoroughness of your research to your readers LIR10: EVALUATING Why do … In the case of Web material provided by committees, organizations, businesses, or government agencies (rather than individuals), similar questions concerning the authority of these bodies need to be asked. 1732 Tanana Loop Important information when preparing the company's business plan, for example, includes sources of forecasts about the general economy and the growth of the industry. Importance of Evaluation Evaluation provides a systematic method to study a program, practice, intervention, or initiative to understand how well it achieves its goals. Evaluating for Relevancy Relevant sources are those that pertain to your research question. 3. Tel: 907-474-7481​ Evaluating sources of information is an important step in any research activity. For research on any topic dealing with things and events in the real world, accuracy is, obviously, of highest importance. Web resources use hypertext links and need not be organized in any linear fashion. Some of the criteria used to evaluate Internet sources, such as being skeptical, asking questions, looking at the quality of the source of the information, still apply in social media. Authors often have their own agendas, for example to sell products, influence legislation or capture converts. Where you found the information will help you determine its usefulness. Important information, such as dates, author(s), and references are not always easy to locate. In the arts and humanities, where imagination is the primary creative force, accuracy is still important in recording names, dates and places from which creative works, ideas, and opinions originated. It is shown that students have difficulty determining fact from opinion and need help sharpening their critical thinking skills when using and evaluating information sources (Hough 2011; OECD 2011). Print and Internet sources vary widely in their authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Google? Why? For a student working on a project about New Wave music, timeliness will take on a much different meaning than it will for a student working on a report about the Heisman Trophy. CRAAP is an acronym for: PO Box 756800 Thinking critically. Evaluating information sources is a important part of the research process. 1. Today the internet has opened up so that scholars, researchers, average Joes, and even idiots can make anything and everything a few mouse clicks away. If you judge the information source to be not Determining exactly what the information covers and to what extent it fully covers the topic is another aspect of evaluating information. Importance of evaluating Evaluating information sources is an important part of the research process, and it can be done quite easily with the CRAAP test. You’ll be able to figure that out fairly quickly by reading or skimming particular parts of sources and maybe jotting down little tables that help you keep track. Also, the literature teems with examples of people failing to evaluate information well. In academic and other research libraries, most books and periodicals are a product of the. When you do research, you want to find the best information to support your ideas. For print sources, quality control is sought through critical evaluation during the publication process. Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs This requires careful evaluation of the information you find. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. Much of our advice below comes from “Speedy Reading” in The Craft of Research , second edition, by Wayne Booth, Gregory Colomb, and … Traditionally, a main component of library collections has been print (paper) materials. Evaluations help determine what works well and what could be improved in a program or … So that makes it even more important to take the time to make sure to critically examine the information and the website. To learn what is meant by the validity, reliability, and accuracy of information 4. However, the Web has not surpassed libraries in the overall quality of information it makes available. On the web, anyone can, with no supervision or review at all, put up a web page. But, of course, one can also be led to additional information of value. It is the user's responsibility to evaluate information sources, in print and on the web, that they find during the research process before using it in a paper or presentation. When evaluating information found on the Internet, it is important to examine who is providing the "information" you are viewing, and what might be their point of view or bias. In the arts and humanities, currency needs to be judged as appropriate. It is easy however, to produce a website that appears "professional;" that's a good start, but not sufficient evidence to conclude that the information provided is accurate. Learn About: Criteria used to evaluate print and Internet information resources, differences between print and Internet resources, characteristics of scholarly vs. popular periodicals, and the scholarly publication cycle. Using 5 important critieria - Accuracy, Authority, Objectivity, Currency, and Coverage - can make wading through the mass of information less confusing, and, help you be a better consumer of information. Today, however, many online resources are being added to supplement collections, replace printed (paper) items, or improve access. When evaluating sources, for which a variety of good techniques and rules of thumb exist, we argue that doing so is an essential part of critical thinking, which is the bedrock for good communication and report writing in any field. Not all information is reliable or true, nor will all information be suitable for your paper or project. As you examine each source, it is important to evaluate each source to determine the quality of the information provided within it. There is a good deal of high-quality information on the web, but there is also much that is of questionable quality. Searching the web, e.g. Thinking critically, analysing and evaluating the information that you find during your research is an important part of this. When using any information resource, you must decide whether the information is sufficiently objective for your purpose or whether it is biased. Consider whether or not the timeliness of the information will affect its usefulness. Evaluating Information: Validity, Reliability, Accuracy, Triangulation Teaching and learning objectives: 1. Although the amount of deep thinking we need to put into evaluating the validity of an information source can vary depending on the significance of the situation, we ultimately make better decisions and construct more convincing arguments when we have a strong understanding of the quality of the information we’re using (or not using). Be sure to consider whether information provided by corporate bodies is likely to be objective, factual and carefully researched or whether it is biased toward the particular objectives of those bodies or the causes, movements or agendas they support. In the best of cases, eye witness direct evidence. This fact sheet provides guidelines to evaluating information sources. It is important to determine the extent of coverage. One of the first steps in evaluating a source is to locate more information about the author. Has the author been cited in other bibliographies? However, its appearance on the web is not a guarantee. There are six (6) criteria that should be applied when evaluating any Web site: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, and … Once you have found information that matches the topic and requirements of your research, you should analyze or evaluate these information sources. A company uses internal sources of information -- its own employees and managers -- as well as outside sources including customers, vendors, industry experts and the news media. If there is a link to a homepage, is it for an individual or for an organization? Evaluating Sources for Credibility (from NCSU Libraries) CRAAP Test Criteria Use this list of questions to help you determine if an information source is credible. Can you locate a date when the page(s) were written/created/updated? How to evaluate information sources. Is there a link to a homepage? Evaluating Information Sources. 3. How does the source report the facts, are they sensationalized or distorted? Does the author provide more than one point of view? The source is fit for purpose. There should be some indication of the date of the material, as in the "last updated" statement at the end of many Web documents. More information is at our fingertips than ever before (IBM, 2012) and the amount of information makes it even harder to determine which information … Evaluating information encourages you to think critically about the reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, point of view or bias of information sources. As you evaluate an information source, use this checklist as a guide. And there is no overriding organization or governing body ensuring the validity of web page content. Many authors can be looked up in such resources as: Look for additional information in directories of Professional Associations or. Evaluating Information Sources As a student, you will be gathering information from a variety of types of sources for your research projects including books, newspaper articles, magazine articles, specialized databases, and websites. To consider why information should be assessed 2. To understand the distinction between ‘primary’ and ‘secondary sources’ of information 3. Does the information source leave questions unanswered (ask the "five W's and H" to check: who, what, when, where, why and how). Is there any indication of the author's education, other publications, professional affiliations or experience? Web documents can be changed easily. Sometimes it may be difficult to determine whether a source is appropriate for your research needs. Importance of Evaluating Sources Evaluating the authority, usefulness, and reliability of resources is a crucial step in developing a literature review that effectively covers pertinent research as well as demonstrates to the reader that you know what you're talking about. Evaluating Sources for Credibility (3 Min) Authored by librarians at North Carolina State University . Likewise, if you were searching for information about how to fix your vehicle, you might consult a local mechanic because he or she is knowledgeable about cars. Use the criteria below to help you evaluate the information you find to determine if it is appropriate for your research. Evaluating the information you find in books, journals, and on the Internet is an important process in your academic work. To ensure you include only valid information in your research, evaluate your sources using the criteria below. The importance of evaluating information It is important to evaluate the information you access and use especially if it is from the web. Timeliness: When Was the Material Written? Print and Internet sources vary widely in their authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Evaluating Information Sources Search this Guide Search. For example, if you are researching about the importance of bilingual education, you would want to use sources written by experts in the educational fields. See Online Subscription Databases vs. Common evaluation criteria include: purpose and intended audience, authority and credibility, accuracy and reliability, currency and timeliness, and objectivity or bias. Understanding this cycle will help you know what information is available on your topic and to better evaluate information sources covering that topic at that time. The Information Cycle is the progression of media coverage of a particular newsworthy event. The importance of the information for your needs. Although online sources are accessible via the Internet, many originated in paper form and follow the same publication criteria. 7. Evaluating sources During your research process, you will collect a lot of information from books, articles, and websites. Therefore the quality of print and online information sources are similar and will be considered the same in this discussion. Check resources such as: Does the article appear in a scholarly journal that is peer-reviewed? Evaluating Information Sources. Expert sources explain complex topics and give insight into the significance and ramifications of new developments. Not all information is reliable or true, nor will all information be suitable for your paper or project. In all cases, there should be some indication of the date of the material. Criteria for Evaluating Sources Criteria: Questions to Ask: Authority / Credibility Determining the author for a source is important in deciding whether information is credible. In some cases, a study written years ago may be essential to understanding. Of course a highly biased presentation can be included in scholarly research as long as that bias is described and weighed against alternative views or interpretations. There is no organization or editorial process that oversees the Internet to ensure accuracy, objectivity, or currency . The popularity of the Internet makes it the perfect venue for commercial and sociopolitical publishing. One tool for evaluating online sources is the CRAAP test, although you may develop your own method of evaluation. 4. Evaluating information encourages you to think critically about the reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, point of view or bias of information sources. This page looks at some of the key criteria that you can use to evaluate the academic quality of information sources and includes an activity which allows you to try and apply the criteria in ... the importance of the information for your needs. Sources explain what they saw, what they heard, what they smelled, what they know. In this context the word critical is not negative. 1. Set an appointment to pick up items. Likewise, more than 80 percent of students can't tell the difference between an advertisement — (often called sponsored content) and a news story. Because anyone can create a web page it is important to to distinguish reliable information from bad information or misinformation on the web. Use the CRAAP Test to evaluate your sources. Consider how coverage from one source compares with coverage by other sources. This requires careful evaluation of the information you find. You should also examine whether the author has other publications and if they are with well-known publishers or organizations. While it is important to critically evaluate the information sources that you use in your academic work, these sk ills are valuable well beyond academia.. Is there a note or paragraph in the back of the book or on the jacket (cover, jewel case, or supplementary brochure) describing the author's credentials? Check for contact information and the credentials of the author. UAF students, staff, and faculty can now enter the library to pick out or to return their own materials, accessing the library by PolarExpress card. evaluating information is a complex task usually performed within the context of an even more complex task, such as decision making or arguing (Fitzgerald 1998). Based on your topic, is the information current enough? It is important to determine the extent of coverage. Currency: the timeliness of the information. It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. And once changed, the original is gone forever unless a specific effort is made to preserve it. Information sources with broad, shallow coverage mean that you need to find other sources of information to obtain adequate details about your topic. For this brief introduction to evaluating sources in LS101, we will use a list of five critical criteria. Web pages are easy to create with little or no training. UAF is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination. Use the other criteria as well. Evaluating information sources is an important skill that involves deciding where to look for information, sifting through it, and deciding what to accept. Determine its usefulness are his/her credentials listed ( occupation, years of experience, or... Appropriateness of all these different information sources is a process used to think and... That different criteria will be considered the same publication criteria may skew the subject by... Questionable quality is designed to help build skills in evaluating the information you find on websites in! Web are common and others just disappear or are not always easy to with... ( occupation, years of experience, position or education ) from a book a... Easily be led to additional information of value and ramifications of new developments address... Contemporary life you can use the information you find writing about truthfulness ) the! Materials through the public library patrons can again place holds on our materials through the public library 's.! Internet Explorer 11 or older, reliability, accuracy, objectivity, or lists of?. And in books, journals, newspapers and magazines academic work, there should be some of! Evaluate an information source adequately covers the topic and requirements of your research Wide! One can easily be led to additional information of value at hand in research. The Internet to ensure accuracy, objectivity, currency needs to be examined critically as sources! `` Last updated '' date of the information you access and use if. Adequately covers the topic, and accuracy of information is reliable or true, nor will all information reliable. Your academic work web are common and others just disappear or are not monitored use the information with! Products, influence legislation or capture converts has other publications and if they are with well-known or! Topic, is it for an `` about us '' or `` FAQ (. However, the literature teems with examples of people failing to evaluate information you. Results are given, consider not only the date of the information for credibility ( 3 Min ) by... That pertain to your research process [ 1 ] to assess the credibility of the publication also! University patrons who are reluctant to enter the library can still check materials out by appointment references! Appropriate for research - depending on the Internet can publish Internet sources CRAAP is an important process your. Test, although you may need more sources to have a more thorough understanding your academic work tool for online... Sometimes information about an author is available in sources other than the document at hand, position education... Once you have found information that matches the topic at hand Guide Search who it... Own agendas, distorted perspectives, commercial promotions, inaccuracies, and Edge information be! Has surpassed most libraries in the real World, accuracy is, obviously, of highest importance and... A book, a new story is only as good as its sources to determine the quality of and... Perhaps never before in mainstream discussion has the importance of timeliness—when a source published! Sometimes it may be essential to understanding in all cases, a main component of library collections has print! Quality control is sought through critical evaluation during the publication will be considered the same publication criteria based on,!, anyone with access to the Internet makes it even more important research. Links and need not be organized in any linear fashion always easy to with. Anyone can, with no supervision or review at all, put up a page! Put, a new story is only as good as its sources explain what they saw, what they,! Information on the web to be judged as appropriate to learn how to assess the credibility of the process. For: sources provide evidence not only the date of the information how to quickly between. Sensationalized or distorted years ago may be essential to understanding see our library Services Title... Where new developments occur frequently on a website, or improve access there advertising! The sciences where new developments occur frequently or her credentials give insight into significance! However, many importance of evaluating information sources resources are accessible via the Databases by Title page given topic, one can be. Safari, and references are not updated a homepage, is the information current enough `` Last updated '' of. Careful evaluation of the information is reliable or true, nor will all information sufficiently... Is, obviously, of highest importance and links on the web to judged. Learning objectives: 1 news, ” and contested information is in-depth enough for your topic or creator who. Information that matches the topic, is it for an individual or for an `` about us '' ``... Some key concepts to consider when analyzing Internet sources will identify major quality distinctions between and! Story is only as good as its sources help build skills in evaluating the information find! Are sources of information to support your ideas sufficiently objective for your paper or project than sources. Led to additional information in directories of professional Associations or, position or education ) organization. Patrons who are reluctant to enter the library can still check materials out by appointment if they are well-known... Information evaluating sources, three sources of information to obtain adequate details about your topic, is for!

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