Library Guides: ENM109/163 Research Skills Guide: Evaluate information and web resources

Evaluating search results and information sources

There is no definitive way to calculate the quality of an information source. However, there are certain indicators that, in combination, can help you determine if the source you are considering is reputable. There are many evaluation methods you can use to assess an information source. Many of these methods apply to journals and journal articles, which will likely be the most common resource type referenced in your research.

In this section we will be learning about:

Evaluation method:	Used to assess:
CRAP test	Journals
CRAP test	Web resources
Peer review	Journals

These evaluation methods must be applied with the caution of common sense. No evaluation method is failsafe and it would be imprudent to assess the quality of an information source using only one method. Using these theories in conjunction will enable you to form a rounded opinion on the quality and veracity of most information sources.

Evaluating information

Evaluate information (The CRAP Test)

Use this test - the CRAP Test - to make a decision about the value of the information you have found ...

Currency	Is it current enough for your topic? A general rule is to use resources published in the last 5 years.
Reliability	Is the source reputable? Is it peer reviewed? Does the creator provide references? Do those references pass the CRAP test?
Authority	Who is the creator or author? What are their qualifications? Are they an expert in the field?
Purpose	Is it fact or opinion? Is it biased or balanced? Is the creator trying to sell you something?

Evaluate internet resources

The type of domain provides you a hint as to the reliability of the website at which you are looking.

.edu (educational institution)

.gov (government)

These are more likely to be reliable and unbiased.

.org (non-profit organisation)

.asn (non-commercial organisation)

Sometimes these organisations can be biased toward one side of an issue that is actually quite complex.

.com (commercial site)

.net (network)

Try to avoid these sites as they are likely to be unreliable.

.net is the domain given to any site that doesn't fit into the other domain categories.

If you find a .com or .net site that you think is ok, look at the currency, reliability, authority and purpose to see if your suspicion is supported by evidence.