Evaluating sources is as easy as C.R.A.P.

(evaluating sources tutorial @ HCC Libraries)

C.R.A.P. is a quick & easy way to evaluate information.

CurrencyReliabilityAuthorityPerspective/Point-of-view

C.R.A.P. is a quick & easy way to evaluate information.

CurrencyReliabilityAuthorityPerspective/Point-of-view

(these 4 categories can tell you if a source is useful & helpful)

Currency: or is the resource from an appropriate time?

• When was it originally published?• Has it been updated or revised since then?• Would time likely effect the information’s

accuracy or relevancy?• Does the time frame fit your needs?

Currency: time does matter

• E.g., science information changes often & frequently, & can completely change the content of your paper. (Remember Pluto?)

• If it’s a historical paper on the JFK assassination, on the other hand, a 1964 news article might be very relevant.

• Ask: will time change the information & did the professor specify a timeframe?

Reliability: or Can you depend on the information & trust it be accurate?

• Did the author use any evidence & show their sources with citations or references?

• Is the spelling and grammar correct? Do you see any obvious mistakes?

• Can you verify the information from other sources?

Reliability: true or false?

• Basically, you’re looking to see if the information is false & erroneous or authentic & valid.

• If basic facts are wrong, the theory/hypothesis has less merit.

Authority: or Can you trust the information source?

• Who is the author & what are their credentials?

• Who is the publisher or sponsor?• What does the website end in...

.com = commercial, e.g. Amazon.com

.gov = governmental, e.g. cia.gov

.edu = educational sources, e.g. hccs.edu

.org = usually a non-profit organization, e.g., cancer.gov

Authority: look at the Qualifications

• Basically, you’re trying to determine why you should trust the information from this source.

• Remember, if the person or organization is qualified, they will probably list their credentials, like what degree or job they currently hold.

perspective/Point-of-view: or What’s the author’s motivation?

• Is the author trying to inform, persuade, sell to, or entertain you?

• Are there advertisements or links to buy products or subscribe to a service? Are they clearly marked or sponsored by the source?

• Does the author seem objective or biased?

perspective/Point-of-view: look at the author’s end goal• Try to determine the author’s (& sponsor’s)

interest in the topic & if that influences their information.

• e.g. Are they trying to inform about different weight loss methods or sell sell a weight loss product?

• e.g. The Onion = satirical entertainment, not informative.

To review, CRAP isCurrencyReliabilityAuthorityPerspective/Point-of-view

To review, CRAP isCurrencyReliabilityAuthorityPerspective/Point-of-view

* Checking to see if information is current, accurate, unbiased, and from a trustful source can help you

judge a source’s quality.

You can still use other types of information; you just need to aware of any prejudices, inaccuracies, & time constraints before treating it like reliable information.

(remember: Not all information is equal.)

More questions? Look though the guide, ask a librarian, or Find out

more with HCC Libraries @library.hccs.edu

Thanks to Mary Meestrum & Kenneth orenic (aka the original C.R.A.P. Inventors) at dominican University Library & LOEX Wiki, Portland State University Library, Academy of art University Library, Ohio University Libraries, Vanderbilt university Library, & Landmark College Library for influencing this presentation. Their C.R.A.P. & C.R.A.A.P. tutorials are linked on the subject guide.