When searching for resources, the researcher needs to determine the credibility and reliability of the source(s). This page explores two different strategies with which to do that. One thing you will notice is that credibility can be contextual, meaning it can depend on the purpose of your research or the context of its use. Whatever the case, it is generally determined by whether or not experts on your subject would agree on a source's validity. Remember, using sources that are not credible reflects on your own credibility and that of your work, so finding a strategy to determine credibility that works for you and your purpose is important.
You may have encountered the CRAAP test before. It is useful in evaluating the credibility of resources. It is an acronym that stands for the following.
The CRAAP test was originally created by Meriam Library at California State University, Chico. CRAAP information sourced from Springfield Technical Community College Library and UCL Institute of Education Library guides.
The following video expands on the CRAAP test.
Here are five questions to help you think critically about your source and assess its credibility. This strategy is often used to evaluate the credibility of web pages, but is useful for other sources also.
You may need to do research to uncover the answers to some of these questions, but considering these questions and the answers is an important step in determining credibility of a source.
5 W information sourced from Springfield Technical Community College Library, University of Washington Libraries, and UCL Institute of Education Library guides.
Both of these strategies ask similar questions and operate with similar principles. You can determine which works best for your purposes. If you are still uncertain about the credibility of a source, ask a librarian. Drop by the library or send us a note and we'll help you investigate.
For more guidance and information on how to navigate sources and determine credibility and accuracy of information, visit our Misinformation & Information Literacy guide. It defines common terms, explores information behaviour, and provides some useful strategies and resources.