How to… Critically Evaluate Information Resources!

Today’s Learning Goals… By the end of the period, I will have: created a properly formatted Annotated Works Cited with three different types of resources written a critical annotation for one web site provided Ms. Martin with my topic and a list of the searches I’ve tried

Focus Select a topic of interest and ask real questions. 1 What do I already know about my topic? How do I know this? What do I need to verify? What new information do I need to find? What do I think I might discover? What interests me? What am I curious about? Explore Find the resources you need… and keep track of where you found them! 2 What kind of resources will help me? Have I consulted a variety of sources? Who is responsible for the information? REFLECT: What other information do I still need? Did I record all the relevant information and where I found it? Analyze Interpret, evaluate, and sort the information you find. 3

Analyzing what you find… Do my sources pass the CRAAP test? i.e. are they worth including in my research How is the info relevant to my question? What patterns have I noticed? How does the info relate to what else I know? What conclusions can I draw based on what I’ve found? REFLECT: Does the info I found raise more questions? Analyze Interpret, evaluate, and sort the information you find. 3

Remember… Not every source of information is a GOOD source of information!

To evaluate the information sources you find (Web sites, books, etc.), ask yourself…

Are they CRAAPCRAAP urrency elevance uthority ccuracy urpose/Point of View CRAAP?!

Currency ~ is the information current (enough)? When was the information published or posted? Has it been revised or updated (should it have been)? Does your topic require current information or will older sources still work? Are the links (web site) or other recommended additional sources (listed in books) valid/available?

Relevance ~ does it meet YOUR research needs? Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Who is the intended audience? (i.e. is it you/someone like you?) Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?

Authority ~ who is the source of the information? Who wrote/created the book, article, or Web site? What education/credentials/experience do they have? Are they experts in their field (i.e. are they qualified to write about your topic)? Is there contact information, such as a publisher or address? For web sources, does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples:.com.ca.edu.gov.org.net

Accuracy ~ how reliable, correct, and factual is the content Where is the creator/author getting the information? Is the information they’ve given supported by evidence? Are the sources of information clearly listed so they can be verified; are they only the author’s opinions? Has the information been reviewed or refereed? (i.e. formally published vs. personally posted) Do the facts presented match those from other similar sources you’ve found?

Purpose/Point of View ~ why does the information exist? Why was the resource created? Is the book or Web site intended to inform/sell/teach/entertain/persuade? Did someone sponsor or commission the source? Does this sponsor influence the views presented? Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

If the resource passes the CRAAP test, you’re well on your way to research success!

Focus Select a topic of interest and ask real questions. 1 What do I already know about my topic? How do I know this? What do I need to verify? What new information do I need to find? What do I think I might discover? What interests me? What am I curious about? Explore Find the resources you need… and keep track of where you found them! 2 What kind of resources will help me? Have I consulted a variety of sources? Who is responsible for the information? REFLECT: What other information do I still need? Did I record all the relevant information and where I found it? What conclusions can I draw based on what I’ve found? Analyze Interpret, evaluate, and sort the information you find. 3 What patterns have I noticed? How does the info relate to what else I know? Do my sources pass the CRAAP test? REFLECT: Does the info I found raise more questions? How is the info relevant to my question? Communicate Report what you find. Give credit where credit is due. 4

How to approach this assignment… 1.Find a source/choose one you’ve found. 2.Create a citation – use the Citation Maker (on your assignments page!) 3.Find your next source…remember, you need 3 different kinds of sources! 4.Apply the CRAAP test to the web site. Using all 5 criteria, describe why it passes (or fails) the CRAAP test.

Success Criteria List of searches you tried? Difficulties? (attach ticket) APA format? Alphabetical order? Hanging indents? 3 types of resources? Detailed CRAAP test for web site? Link to YOUR project? sample annotated works cited…

Questions…?