Here is a list of Common Questions you should ask when analyzing any source for research purposes.
Currency
When was the information published? If a webpage, when was it last updated? Do I need more current information?
Content
Why was the information created? Is the information biased? Is the information fact or opinion? Is the information accurate?
Relevancy
Does this source contain information that I need? Do I need scholarly communication, facts and figures, or an emotional story?
Author
Can you determine the author of the source? Is the author affiliated with a particular institution or organization? Is the author an expert on this topic?
Audience
Who is the intended audience of this source? Is this information appropriate for your audience?
Publisher
Who is the publisher of the source? Does the publisher's bias affect the credibility of the source from my audience's point-of-view?
*Based on the CRAP test created by Molly Beestrum, Librarian, while at Dominican University.
Be sure to take some time to thoroughly evaluate the quality of information found online.
