Source Evaluation
Learn
Not all sources are created equal. Source evaluation means checking whether information is trustworthy, accurate, and useful for your research. This is one of the most important skills a researcher can have.
Why Evaluate Sources?
Anyone can put information on the internet or write a book. Some information is true and helpful, but some is wrong, outdated, or even made up on purpose. Good researchers always check their sources before using the information.
The CRAAP Test
Use these five questions to evaluate any source:
- C - Currency: When was this written? Is the information up-to-date?
- R - Relevance: Does this source relate to your research question?
- A - Authority: Who wrote this? Are they an expert on the topic?
- A - Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence? Can you verify it elsewhere?
- P - Purpose: Why was this written? To inform, entertain, persuade, or sell something?
Types of Sources
| Source Type | Examples | Usually Reliable? |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Books | Encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases | Yes - checked by experts |
| Educational Websites | .edu, .gov, museum sites | Usually yes |
| News Sources | Newspapers, news websites | Check for bias |
| Personal Blogs | Someone's opinion website | Check carefully |
| Social Media | Posts, comments | Usually not reliable |
Red Flags to Watch For
- No author name given
- No date or very old date
- Lots of spelling and grammar mistakes
- Claims that seem too amazing to be true
- Trying hard to sell you something
- No sources or evidence provided
Examples
Example 1: Evaluating a Website
Website: NASA.gov article about Mars
- Currency: Updated last month - current
- Relevance: Directly about the topic I am researching
- Authority: Written by NASA scientists - experts
- Accuracy: Includes data and photos from Mars missions
- Purpose: To inform the public about space - educational
Verdict: This is a reliable source.
Example 2: Evaluating a Blog Post
Website: "CoolFacts123.com" article about Mars
- Currency: No date given
- Relevance: About Mars but mostly opinions
- Authority: Author is "MarsLover99" - not a real name or expert
- Accuracy: No sources cited, some facts seem wrong
- Purpose: Has lots of ads - might be trying to make money from clicks
Verdict: This is NOT a reliable source. Find a better one.
Example 3: Comparing Sources
If you read that "The Great Wall of China can be seen from space" on one website, but NASA says this is a myth, which do you trust? NASA has more authority on what can be seen from space, so you would trust NASA.
Practice
Activity 1: Website Domain Detective
Match each website ending to what it usually means:
- .gov = _______________
- .edu = _______________
- .com = _______________
- .org = _______________
Choices: School or university, Government, Organization (could be anyone), Commercial business
Activity 2: Spot the Red Flags
Read this made-up source description and list the red flags:
"Article found on www.free-facts-4-u.com by Anonymous, no date. Title: 'Scientists SHOCKED! Chocolate is healthier than vegetables!' The article has many spelling errors and asks you to buy their chocolate vitamin pills at the end."
Activity 3: CRAAP Test Practice
Choose a source you have used recently and evaluate it using all five CRAAP test questions. Write your answers in your notebook.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these 10 questions to test what you have learned about source evaluation.
Question 1: What does it mean to "evaluate" a source?
Answer: To evaluate a source means to carefully examine it to decide if the information is trustworthy, accurate, and useful for your research.
Question 2: What does the "C" in CRAAP stand for, and why does it matter?
Answer: "C" stands for Currency, which means how recent the information is. It matters because old information might be outdated or no longer true, especially for topics like science and technology.
Question 3: Which website ending usually indicates a government source: .com, .gov, or .net?
Answer: .gov indicates a government source. Government websites are usually reliable because they are run by official organizations and checked by experts.
Question 4: Why is it important to know who wrote a source?
Answer: Knowing the author helps you decide if they are qualified to write about the topic. An expert or professional is more likely to provide accurate information than someone with no background in the subject.
Question 5: What is one red flag that might suggest a website is not reliable?
Answer: Possible answers include: no author name, no date, lots of spelling/grammar errors, no sources cited, trying to sell something, or claims that seem too amazing to be true.
Question 6: What does "purpose" mean when evaluating a source?
Answer: Purpose means the reason the source was created. Was it written to inform and educate, to entertain, to persuade you to believe something, or to sell a product? Sources meant to inform are usually more reliable than those trying to sell or persuade.
Question 7: Why should you use more than one source when researching?
Answer: Using multiple sources helps you verify that information is accurate. If several reliable sources say the same thing, the information is more likely to be true. It also gives you a more complete picture of the topic.
Question 8: Is a personal blog always unreliable? Explain your answer.
Answer: No, not always, but you should be extra careful. Some blogs are written by experts who know their topic well. However, many blogs are just opinions without evidence. Always check who the author is and whether they cite reliable sources.
Question 9: What should you do if you find two sources that give different facts about the same topic?
Answer: Look for a third source to help you determine which fact is correct. Choose the source with more authority, more recent information, and better evidence. You can also ask a teacher or librarian for help.
Question 10: A website has a professional design and no spelling errors. Does this automatically make it reliable?
Answer: No, a nice design does not guarantee reliability. Anyone can make a good-looking website. You still need to check the author, date, accuracy, and purpose. Some unreliable websites look very professional.
Next Steps
- Practice evaluating sources every time you do research
- Keep the CRAAP test questions handy as a checklist
- Move on to the next lesson when ready
- Return to this lesson whenever you need a refresher on evaluation