Evaluating Information Found on the Internet

While the internet is a vast source of information, we must be careful because there is a lot of misinformation on the internet.

Misinformation doesn’t always mean that the author is intentionally lying, or that the information is “wrong”. Much of what is on the Web is actually opinion rather than fact, a so-called gray area of information.

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Using the CRAAP Test

Evaluating Information on the Internet

Evaluating anything you read, print or web based, involves questioning. Is it good information? Or is it CRAAP? (Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose)

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

·  When it was written? When it was last revised?

·  Are all the links on the site current and working, i.e. are there outdated or "dead" links?

·  Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?

Topic: How many people actually use Facebook?
Visit: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/02/7-startling-numbers-we-now-know-about-facebook/
Does this information pass the Currency test? Why not?

Relevancy: The importance of the information for your needs.

·  Does it relate to my topic or answer my question?

·  Is the information at the appropriate level (too elementary or advanced for your needs?)

·  Have you consulted a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?

Topic: Should I use Ibuprofen to help with my headache?
Visit: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21804100
Does this information pass the Relevancy test? Why not?


Authority: The source of the information.

·  What organization produced or sponsored the site? What is the purpose of the organization? (Look for an “About Us” link)

·  Who is the author of the material you are reading?

·  Is the author qualified to write on this topic?

·  Is there an address to contact for more information?

·  Does the URL reveal anything about the author or organization?

Topic: How does a rocket work?
Visit: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-do-rockets-work.html
Does this information pass the Authority test? Why not?

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the informational content presented.

·  Are sources of any factual information listed in a clear and complete manner so that they can be verified if necessary?

·  Is the information free of grammatical, spelling, and other errors?

·  If statistical data is presented in graph or chart form, is it legible and clearly labeled?

Topic: What does the World Trade Organization (WTO) do?
Visit: http://www.gatt.org/
Does this information pass the Accuracy test? Why not?


Purpose: The reason the information exists.

·  Why does this website exist? Is it meant to inform? Teach? Or is it meant to entertain? Persuade? Sell a product, an idea, or way of thinking?

·  Is there a potential bias in this information?

·  Does it acknowledge other perspectives or conflicting information?

·  If there is any advertising on the page, is it clearly separated from the informational content?

·  Are the authors' biases (if any) clearly stated i.e. is it an opinion piece? A political message? A product advertisement?

·  Be alert to political, religious, ideological, cultural, institutional or personal biases

·  Is the information fact? Or is it propaganda? Opinion?

Topic: Which stocks should I buy?
Visit: http://www.superstockpicker.com/index.php
Does this information pass the Purpose test? Why not?

Practice Applying the CRAAP Test

Topic 1: What are the environmental impacts of Canada’s Oil Sands?

Here are three websites which discuss this topic. Perform a CRAAP test for each.

Website #1: http://oilsandstruth.org/

C:

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Website #2: www.Oilsandstoday.ca

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Website #3: Royal Society of Canada report:

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Topic 2: Why is Africa poor?

Do a Google Search, find a website which passes the CRAAP test.

Website address:

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Topic 3: Are eggs good for you?

See if you can find two websites which both pass the CRAAP test, but which have opposite answers to this question.

Website 1:

C:

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Website 2:

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