1. The Library and Credible Research
Welcome to Seminar 4:
The Library and Credible Research

2. Welcome to Seminar 4: The Library and Credible Research
To change the size of the chat box, please drag the right border to the right or the left.
Note that I will place each slideshow into Doc Sharing, so you can review our material and look at any slides we might have missed during seminar.
They will also be available for seminar makeup.

3. Unit 4 Work—What’s going on this unit
Reading: This unit’s readings focus on the evaluation of sources
Seminar: Our seminar this week will cover Exploring the Kaplan Online Library and evaluating resources and determining legitimacy
Discussion: Our discussion topic deals with methods for locating scholarly resources.

4. Credible Research What is a credible source? Wikipedia is not it!
How can you be sure?

5. The CRAAP Test
Students often express concern about evaluating web sites. I hope this information will help you determine whether you are using credible information or not. Is the site valid, or is it C - - P?

6. The CRAAP Test
Applying the CRAAP Test to Evaluating Web Sites (from the California State University at Chico)

7. The CRAAP Test CRAAP stands for:
What is The CRAAP Test
CRAAP stands for:
Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose

8. The CRAAP Test
Currency (0 to 10 Points) If relevant, 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?

9. The CRAAP Test
Relevance/Coverage (0 to 10 Points) 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)?

10. The CRAAP Test Relevance/Coverage- Cont.
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

11. The CRAAP Test
Authority (0 to 10 Points) Who is the author/creator/sponsor?
Are 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 address?

12. The CRAAP Test Authority – Cont.
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

13. The CRAAP Test
Accuracy (0 to 10 Points) 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 typos?

14. The CRAAP Test
Purpose (0 to 10 Points) 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?

15. The CRAAP Test Purpose – Cont.
What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything? Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net

16. The CRAAP Test TOTAL SCORE: _____?______ SCORING
Excellent Good Average Borderline Acceptable Below 30 - Unacceptable

17. Final Comments
Don’t forget the Kaplan Library as a great place to start your research!

18. Final Comments
I will now turn off the slideshow so we can use the full screen for our answers.