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Engineering/Band Learning Community

Resources for the Engineering/Band Learning Community.

Developing a Database Search Strategy

Developing a Search Strategy image

Developing a Search Strategy Image 2

CRAAP Test

Using the CRAAP Test

Evaluation Criteria

Currency: The timeliness of the web page.
  • When was the information gathered?
  • When was it posted?
  • When was it last revised?
  • Are links functional and up-to-date?
  • Is there evidence of newly added information or links?
Relevance/Coverage: The uniqueness of the content and its importance for your needs.
  • What is the depth and breadth of the information presented?
  • Is the information unique? Is it available elsewhere, in print or electronic format?
  • Could you find the same or better information in another source? For example, a general encyclopedia?
  • Who is the intended audience? Is this easily determined?
  • Does the site provide the information you need?
  • Your overall assessment is important. Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority: The source of the web page.
  • Who is the author/creator/sponsor?
  • Are the author’s credentials listed?
  • Is the author a teacher or student of the topic?
  • Does the author have a reputation?
  • Is there contact information, such as an e-mail address?
  • Has the author published works in traditional formats?
  • Is the author affiliated with an organization?
  • Does this organization appear to support or sponsor the page?
  • What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything?
  • example: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
  • Where does the information come from?
  • Are the original sources of information listed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in independent sources or from your own knowledge?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Does the language or tone seem biased?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographica errors?
Purpose/Objectivity: The presence of bias or prejudice/The reason the web site exists.
  • Are possible biases clearly stated?
  • Is advertising content vs. informational content easily distinguishable?
  • Are editorials clearly labeled?
  • Is the purpose of the page stated?
  • Is the purpose to inform? teach? entertain? enlighten? sell? persuade?
  • What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything?
  • example: .com .edu .gov .org .net Chico