Think about these factors when evaluating a Web page (or other resource):
C = Currency
R = Relevance
A = Authority
A = Accuracy
P = Purpose
Currency: The timeliness of the Web page. 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?
Relevance/Coverage: The uniqueness of the content and its importance for your needs. 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? Who is the intended audience? Does the site provide the information you need? Your overall assessment is important. Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority: The source of the Web page. 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 e-mail address? 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
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content. 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?
Purpose: The presence of bias or prejudice / The reason the Web site exists. 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? What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything? Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net
*Modified version of CRAAP Test created by Meriam Library at California State University, Chico
Rampant bias in a source causes it to be less accurate, not because the author is lying, but more because the author is not providing both sides of the argument. Often biased sources are filled with logical fallacies, appeals to emotion or fear, and incorrect or skewed information.
When trying to identify bias, think about the author and the publisher of the work. Use your critical thinking skills to determine who they are associated with and what their purpose is in writing the information. Determine whether they are trying to persuade you to do something. Then think about what that means for the information. Also, consider your purpose for looking at the information and decide whether that source fits your needs or not.
If you are writing a paper supporting your right to own guns, looking up information from the National Rifle Association’s website would be acceptable because their bias matches your purpose. However, even in an argumentative paper, it is a good idea to present both sides of the argument. Therefore, try to find and use sources which support your argument, as well as including sources which support the opposing side.
To sum up, all sources have some level of bias. The key is to be aware of bias, think critically about the how it impacts the information you're looking at, and to use material from a balanced range of sources.
Source: This material is adapted from Research for College Students. Creative Commons License CC BY
Rackley, Nora. “Evaluating.” Research for College Students V1.0, by James Cason et al., Leesburg, Florida, Lake-Sumter State College, 2019, libguides.lssc.edu/ResearchforCollegeStudents/texthome. Accessed 1 Mar. 2023.