Evaluating Internet Research Sources
by Robert Harris
from "Evaluating Internet Research Sources" by Robert Harris
Credibility
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trustworthy source, author’s credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support. |
Accuracy
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up to date, factual, detailed, exact, comprehensive, audience and purpose reflect intentions of completeness and accuracy. |
Reasonableness
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fair, balanced, objective, reasoned, no conflict of interest, absence of fallacies or slanted tone. |
Support
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listed sources, contact information, available corroboration, claims supported, documentation supplied. |
For college assignments, ask yourself: Is it academic? (written and published by academics, cites sources)
Attorney Vanessa Otero created this chart placing news outlets along a continuum of fact vs. opinion and a continuum of partisan bias. Click on the image to enlarge and enable zooming in. Also see a newer interactive version of this chart.
also from "Evaluating Internet Research Sources" by Robert Harris
Challenge
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Challenge information and demand accountability. Stand right up to the information and ask questions. Who says so? Why do they say so? Why was this information created? Why should I believe it? Why should I trust this source? How is it known to be true? Is it the whole truth? Is the argument reasonable? Who supports it? |
Adapt
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Adapt your skepticism and requirements for quality to fit the importance of the information and what is being claimed. Require more credibility and evidence for stronger claims. You are right to be a little skeptical of dramatic information or information that conflicts with commonly accepted ideas. The new information may be true, but you should require a robust amount of evidence from highly credible sources. |
File
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File new information in your mind rather than immediately believing or disbelieving it. Avoid premature closure. Do not jump to a conclusion or come to a decision too quickly. It is fine simply to remember that someone claims XYZ to be the case. You need not worry about believing or disbelieving the claim right away. Wait until more information comes in, you have time to think about the issue, and you gain more general knowledge. |
Evaluate
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Evaluate and re-evaluate regularly. New information or changing circumstances will affect the accuracy and hence your evaluation of previous information. Recognize the dynamic, fluid nature of information. The saying, "Change is the only constant," applies to much information, especially in technology, science, medicine, and business. |
Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test from Cal State Chico. Printable handout.
Use the CRAAP test (brief version):
* Currency: The timeliness of the information.
* Relevance: The appropriateness of the information for your needs.
* Authority: The source of the information, the credibility of the providers of the information.
* Accuracy: The reliability and veracity of the content.
* Purpose: The reason the information is published.