Skip to Main Content

Penn College NOW ENL111 (Bartlett/Brion): Evaluating Information

Library Assignment: Evaluating Information Resources

EVALUATE INFORMATION! Worksheet

Answer the questions about a resource you plan to use in your research paper for this class. Save the file as enl111SectionYourName. (Put your name, i.e. first initial and full last name, at the end of the filename so that I can keep all the files separate.) Please e-mail this as an attachment to me rfisher2@pct.edu (due date TBA.)

CRAAP Test for Information Evaluation

Here are guidelines for deciding whether your information resource is good, or is it something else?

Website Evaluation Check List

CRAAP Test

Evaluation Criteria


Currency: The timeliness of the information.

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
  • Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

Authority: The source of the information.

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

                examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
Created by Meriam Library, California State University, Chico

Subject Guide

Profile Photo
Nicole Warner, PhD
she/her/hers
Contact:
Madigan Library
LIB 139
570-320-2400 ext. 7840