Dental Hygiene Capstone

One approach to evaluating your sources is to use the C.R.A.A.P. test.  

C = Currency

R = Relevance

A = Authority

A = Accuracy

P = Purpose

Honest, this is an excellent way to evaluate your sources. Look for the following qualities in your site evaluations:

1. Currency - the timeliness of the information

2. Relevance- importance of the information for your needs

3. Authority- source of the information

4. Accuracy- reliability, truthfulness, or correctness of the content

5. Purpose- reason the information exists

Use either of these worksheets to help you keep your research straight.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information or will older information work as well? This is more with current events, or technology and science where information changes quickly. 

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience? 
• Is the information at an appropriate level? Is it too difficult or simple to understand? 
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

• 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?

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or referreed?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

• 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?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?