Evaluating Online Resources

Evaluating Sources

With vast amounts of information available online, researchers must critically assess the credibility of sources using established frameworks such as:

  • CRAAP Test (Blakeslee, 2004):
    • Currency: Is the information up-to-date?
    • Relevance: Does it relate to the research topic?
    • Authority: Is the author reputable?
    • Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence?
    • Purpose: Is it biased or neutral?
  • SIFT Method (Caulfield, 2019):
    • Stop: Pause and consider the credibility of the source.
    • Investigate: Research the author and publisher.
    • Find Better Coverage: Cross-check the information with other sources.
    • Trace Claims: Follow citations and original sources to verify accuracy.