Evaluation tips

Information can take various forms and come from different sources, which may vary in terms of their reliability and usefulness. Developing the skill to evaluate information is crucial for ensuring its quality and trustworthiness.

The CRAP test is a quick and easy way to evaluate information based on currency, reliability, authority, and purpose.

Currency	In order to ensure the reliability of information, it is important to check the currency of the source, especially since the internet provides constant updates. Here are some questions you can ask yourself when evaluating information: – When was the information published? – Does the currency of the information matter for your topic? – Is the information current enough for your needs? – When was the webpage last updated? By answering these questions, you can make sure that the information you are using is relevant and up-to-date.
Reliability	To ensure the reliability of a resource, consider its credentials, authority, and publishing history. Consider the following: Who published it? Is it peer-reviewed? Are references provided? Look for spelling/grammar/typographical errors. A book published by a reputable source such as university or scholarly publisher like Elsevier or SAGE is a good sign. One crucial element of dependability is accuracy. Does the source provide a list of reliable bibliography? Does the URL link provided seem like a good choice? Is the literature review or factual information used in it correct? If the background research is sound, it is an indication that the rest of the information may also be dependable.
Authority	Placing authorship is a traditional way of establishing the authority of any piece of information. When evaluating the credibility of a source, it’s important to consider the author/creator. Sources that don’t have an author may be less trustworthy. Here are some questions to ask about the author: What are their qualifications, affiliations, and experience? Are they an expert in the relevant field? Is the author associated with an educational institution, research organization, or government agency? What might be the author’s motives? Is there any evidence of bias?
Purpose	When assessing a source, it is crucial to comprehend its scope and purpose. The introduction or preface should clearly outline what the work covers. The following questions can help you evaluate a source effectively: – Why was the information published, and who is the intended audience? – Is the author attempting to sell, inform, entertain, or persuade? – Is the content factual or opinionated? – Is it biased or balanced? – Does it report on or summarise research on a specific topic? – Was it written for an academic audience, such as scholars or researchers? – Does it use specialised or discipline-specific language?

Watch:

ANU Library. (2020, March). Evaluating information sources [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_ZbckRPCpQ

VCU Libraries. (2017, January). Critically evaluating websites [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBnlIA4x1Xk 

Tips for evaluating website reliability

.edu (educational institution) .gov (government)	These websites are more likely to be reliable and unbiased.
.org (non-profit organisation) .asn (non-commercial organisation)	These websites may be biased.
.com (commercial site) .net (network)	These websites may be unreliable.

Using SIFT (The Four Moves)

Developed by Mike Caulified, SIFT actively evaluates information, instead of just following a checklist like the CRAP test.

Stop	When coming across online content, question the source and reputation of the information before reacting. Remember the purpose of your research and what you plan to do with the information.
Investigate the source	Check the source’s expertise and agenda. Search online for the author or publisher to know more about them.
Find trusted coverage	Scan multiple sources to see what the consensus is, even if you do not agree with it. This will help you investigate further.
Trace claims, quotes, and media back to the original context	Trace online information back to its original source to ensure accuracy.

Watch:

Vanderbilt Libraries Teaching & Learning. (2023, February). Using SIFT to Evaluate Sources for Credibility Tutorial [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsrXJGpxwIE

Lateral reading

Lateral reading is a powerful strategy to combat misinformation.

Watch:

Librarian MxCC. (2021, March). Lateral reading with SIFT [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbSjihUmVls

Recognising bias

The CRAP Test or SIFT are good for evaluating online sources credibility. Once a source is credible, evaluate it for bias. Different types of bias exist, so use strategies to identify them.

Read 20 cognitive biases that influence your decisions. One of the 20 biases is confirmation bias, which is the tendency to search for, interpret, favour or recall information in a way that confirms or supports your existing beliefs or values.

Algorithmic Bias

Algorithms work in the background when you use online services. They collect data based on your activity and tailor what you see. This leads to a personalized experience, but it can also create an echo chamber and algorithmic bias.

Algorithmic bias is when a computer system produces unfair outcomes. A filter bubble is an algorithmic bias that limits the information a user sees on the internet.

What can I do?

To protect your privacy and ensure your data is not being shared without your consent:

• • • • Check privacy and ad settings
      • Read privacy statements
      • Use different search engines
      • Be mindful of your searches
      • Examine personal biases

Critical thinking

Developing critical thinking skills is essential when assessing sources. It involves analysing new information in a logical and systematic manner to make informed judgments. This skill enables individuals to evaluate ideas and theories and make sound decisions based on evidence and reasoning.

Critical reading

Critical reading involves analysing and questioning what we read, interpreting new ideas, and forming our own judgments.

 

This page is adapted from the following resources: