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Research Quick Start : Evaluation Strategies

Use this guide as a starting point for researching.

Evaluation Strategies

Strategy 1:  Evaluate your sources using Lateral Reading

 Lateral reading encourages a reader to move horizontally in a web browser instead of reading a page from top-to-bottom. When reading a source on the Internet, open new browser tabs and search for information on the original source to see if your original source is accurate and credible. Always ask yourself " Who is behind this information?" 

Lateral Reading is a great way to evaluate sources because you verify a source as you read it. Leave your original source open and then open new tabs to search for the source on fact checking sites, search for the author or publisher of the source,  search for what other sites say about the source and follow references back to the original source to verify it. 

 

Strategy 2: Evaluate your sources by using The CRAAP Test

C:  Is the source Current? When was it published? Does the source need to be current for your assignment? 

R: Is it Relevant?  What audience is it written for? Does it relate to my research topic? 

A: Is it Authoritative?  Who is the author/publisher/organization? Are they peer-reviewed? Are they qualified? What else have the written on the topic? Find any additional information you can on the author or organization. 

A: Is it Accurate?  Where is the information coming from? Are there spelling errors? Are there references? What are other credible websites/articles saying about your source? 

P: What is its purpose? Is the source opinion or scholarly? What about bias? What emotion does the source want the reader to feel? 

 

Strategy 3: Evaluate your sources by using the ACT UP Method. Check it out here

Lateral Reading