Critically Evaluating Information

Objective: Students will be able to critically evaluate a source of information.

Information OverloadInformation is all around us. We see and hear new information every day from a variety of sources: television, radio, books, billboards, newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Critical QuestionsSince there is so much information to sort through, there are two critical questions that we must ask about the information we encounter, especially when doing research.

1) Is it relevant for your information need?2) If so, how credible is it?

Relevancy

Assessing relevancy is the first step in determining whether or not the new information is valuable to you. If it's not applicable for your information need, there is no reason to evaluate it further.

Further Evaluation

If the information is relevant, you need to look at other evaluation criteria to examine its quality. To do so, you can use something called the “C.R.A.A.P. Test.”

CRAAP Test

C.R.A.A.P. is an easy device, or mnemonic, to help you remember the following evaluation criteria:

C - CurrencyR - Relevancy (yes, we already discussed this one)

A - AccuracyA - AuthorityP - Purpose

Currency When was it written and/or updated?

If you need current information, checking the date of the source is very important. On the other hand, sometimes older information works fine for certain topics.

Example: A current source is crucial if your research deals with the newest research on advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Example: An older source might be helpful if you are researching the history of the Motion Picture Association of America film rating system.

RelevancyWhy is this information useful to me?

As we already discussed, relevancy is important because it is the first step in determining whether the information you find is pertinent or what you are really looking for.

Example: A source detailing the link between alcoholism and divorce may not be relevant if you are looking for information on the reasons people drink.

AccuracyWhere does this information come from?

Are there additional resources cited?

Accuracy is important because you need correct information to make good decisions. Also, if you present inaccurate information, others may question your own credibility.

Example: If you tell readers that condoms are 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, you are providing inaccurate information and an unplanned pregnancy may be the result.

AuthorityWho wrote this site? Is he/she an expert?

Authority refers to reviewing an author’s credentials. You need to determine whether the person presenting the information has the knowledge and background to be a good source.

Example: If you are writing a paper on the health risks of tattoos and body piercings, a doctor would have more authority than a website provided by a professional tattoo artist.

PurposeWhy was this site/information written?

Even if a source portrays a particular viewpoint, it may still be valid. But, you must be able to recognize the bias, even if it is adequately supported.

Example: If you looking for a website containing information on identity theft, keep in mind that some of the pages found might be trying to sell you identity theft protection.

You need to carefully examine the purpose or bias of the information presented.

Is it trying to:

•Entertain?•Educate?•Sell you a product?•Sway you to a particular point of view?

Summing Up

When encountering ANY type of information, it is important to evaluate its quality. To perform this evaluation, use the C.R.A.A.P. mnemonic device.

• Currency• Relevancy• Accuracy• Authority• Purpose