Evaluating information sources Learning how to critically evaluate information is an important research skill. Criteria for Evaluating Sources Criteria: Questions to Ask: Authority / Credibility Determining the author for a source is important in deciding whether information is credible. Web users are encouraged to employ a healthy skepticism when visiting any site and to use criteria, such as those below, to gather evidence on the quality of the information in the Web site. Module 5: Examining and Evaluating Reference Sources Part I Books A Hands-On Approach to Print Resources There is no substitute for knowing the reference books, databases, and other electronic resources that your library offers. The first one is the Accuracy of Web Documents. Examine each information source you locate and assess sources using the following criteria: Timeliness Your resources need to be recent enough for your topic. To ensure you include only valid information in your research, evaluate your sources using the criteria below. Criteria for Evaluating Web Resources. In your search for information, you eventually face the challenge of evaluating the resources you have located and selecting those you judge to be most appropriate for your needs. The five basic evaluation criteria outlined in this chapter provide a starting point for crafting an evaluation scheme that addresses the “something old, something new” nature of the World Wide Web and its vast array of resources. CHECKLIST: EVALUATING SOURCES Is this source reliable? Selecting the Best Information Sources All information sources are not the same The best information for a particular information need might be found in a variety of different places Selecting the best information source for your topic is part of evaluating your sources To be a well-educated college student, you need to know how to identify, select, access, search for, utilize, When was the information last revised or updated? (Colorado Community College System, 2019). Inaccurate, questionable, or out-of-date sources can undermine your ideas and cause the reader to question your authority on your topic. Read more about website evaluation below : 1. Who wrote the page and how can they be contacted? Currency: The timeliness of the information. Use these techniques for information you find on websites and … Use the checklist below to determine whether a source is likely to provide credible, trustworthy information. The Big 5 Criteria can help you evaluate your sources for credibility: Currency: Check the publication date and determine whether it is sufficiently current for your topic. Choose sources that meet criteria for evaluating web sites (see Evaluation Criteria). Because of the hodge-podge of information on the Internet, it is very important you develop evaluation skills to assist you in identifying quality Web pages. You may find the writing style or approach of one source … What qualifications and knowledge does this person have to write this document? Examine sources carefully to determine how relevant they are to your particular topic. The CRAAP Test is a way to evaluate any information source which you are considering referencing.The CRAAP Test consists of 5 basic evaluation criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Authority qqIs the name of the author, group, or editor responsible for creating the work clearly displayed? Coverage (relevance): Consider whether the source is relevant to your research and whether it covers the topic adequately for your needs. 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. Pay attention to your subjective reactions. What is the purpose of this document, and why was it written? There are six (6) criteria that should be applied when evaluating any Web site: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, and appearance. When evaluating sources these five criteria should be kept in mind. When was the information published or posted? Criteria for the Evaluation of Web Pages 2. Adequately for your needs Accuracy of Web Documents, or editor responsible for creating the clearly. This person have to write this document, and why was it written Consider whether the source relevant. 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