Evaluating Sources
Assess credibility, relevance, currency, accuracy, author expertise, and bias in print and digital sources.
A lesson of English 9, in Research, Media, and Speaking, about 10 minutes.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to evaluate sources using the CRAAP or SIFT test, distinguish reliable from unreliable sources, and identify the appropriate source types for different research contexts.
The Big Idea
The quality of your argument depends on the quality of your evidence. In the internet age, information is abundant but reliability is scarce. Source evaluation is not about being skeptical of everything — it's about being appropriately confident in the right sources for the right purposes.
The CRAAP Test
A classic framework for evaluating sources:
Currency: How recent is the information? How recent does it need to be for this topic?
Relevance: Does the source directly address your research question? Who is the intended audience?
Authority: Who created this? What are their credentials? Is the source peer-reviewed? Does the site have an editorial process?
Accuracy: Is the information verifiable? Are there citations? Does it align with other credible sources?
Purpose: Why was this created? To inform, persuade, sell, entertain? Who is the publisher, and what interests do they serve?
The SIFT Method (for Online Information)
A newer, practical approach:
Stop: Pause before sharing or citing. Your first reaction may not be reliable.
Investigate the source: Before reading in depth, investigate who is behind the site and what their reputation is.
Find better coverage: Look for other credible sources on the same topic. How do they compare?
Trace claims: Follow links and citations back to the original source. Does the original actually say what the article claims?
Source Types and Contexts
| Source Type | Best for | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Peer-reviewed journals | Academic research, citing evidence in science/social science | Often technical; check date |
| Government sites (.gov) | Statistics, policy, public health | May reflect government perspective |
| Reputable news organizations | Current events, reporting | Check editorial stance; confirm with multiple outlets |
| Books (recent, academic presses) | In-depth research | May be dated; check edition |
| Wikipedia | Background, initial orientation |