Evaluating sources

Topic outline

• Select topic Introduction

  Introduction

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  • Select activity Textfeld

    
    

  • Select activity Nowadays, you have numerous sources of information...

    Nowadays, you have numerous sources of information at your disposal.
    In the university context, preference should be given to using information from academic sources. Scientific research makes verifiable claims based on comprehensible methods and documents them so they are available for subsequent use.
    Academic sources (such as publications, studies and data) are therefore your first port of call for reliable information. Prior to using any information, be sure to verify that it actually comes from academic sources and check whether these are reliable.
    

  • Select activity Video: How do I evaluate sources? - Wie bewerte ich Quellen? (English subtitles, SLUBDresden)

    

    Video: How do I evaluate sources? - Wie bewerte ich Quellen? (English subtitles, SLUBDresden) URL
• Select topic Citable? Citation worthy?

  Citable? Citation worthy?
  • Select activity If you wish to use information in an academic cont...

    If you wish to use information in an academic context, several requirements must be met:
    

    

    The source must be citable

    Can the source be found and is it available?

    In order to find the source, sufficient bibliographical information should be available. This includes the title, author, date of publication, edition and the publishing institution (publisher, authority, company, university).
    

    The source should be accessible to erveryone. This means that it should be available in locations open to the public, such as bookshops, libraries, archives or via permanent internet links.

    
    

    Please note: the retrievability of conference contributions, working papers and other unpublished materials is not always possible and must be checked carefully.

    
    

    

    The source must be citation worthy

    Does the source meet scientific quality criteria?

    In a first step, it must first be clarified whether the source is actually academic in nature. In a second, it must then be determined how well scientific quality criteria are met. This allows for a source’s citation worthiness to be evaluated (see also CRAAP-Test).

    Scientific quality criteria may include the following:

    • Treatment of an academic issue
    • Clear outline and structure
    • References to other texts and sources
      
    • Bibliography and possibly appendices
    • Scientific, precise terminology
    • Appropriate, comprehensible methodology and theoretical basis
• Select topic Citation worthiness – CRAAP test

  Citation worthiness – CRAAP test
  • Select activity In English-speaking countries, the CRAAP test is a...

    In English-speaking countries, the CRAAP test is a popular method for evaluating the objective reliability of information. The test asks questions about the five categories of Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose, which are listed below. The questions in orange refer to websites.
    

  • Select activity Currency: The timeliness of the information When w...

    

    Currency: The timeliness of the information

    When was the information published?

    Has the information been revised or updated?

    Is the information current or outdated for your topic?

    Do the links work?

    
    How current does the information need to be? Currency of different publication types

    

    Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs

    Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?

    Who is the target audience?

    Is the information of an appropriate level (i.e. neither too elementary nor too advanced for your needs)?

    Did you take the time to look at different sources before opting for this one?

    
    Who is the target audience?

    

    Authority: The source of the information

    Who is the author of the source?

    Is the author’s organisational affiliation indicated?

    What qualifications does the author have to write about the topic?

    Is there contact information, such as an e-mail address?

    Does the URL reveal anything about the author or the source?

    
    Is somebody well known enough?

    

    Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content

    Where does the information come from?

    Is the information supported by evidence? Are there references or a bibliography?

    Has the information been checked or subjected to a peer review?

    Can you verify the information in another source or through your personal knowledge?

    Does the language and tone seem unbiased and neutral?

    Are there typographical, spelling or grammatical errors?

    
    Video: Peer Review in 3 Minutes Excursus on the generalisability of form in the context of meta-analysis and case studies

    

    Purpose: The reason the information exists

    What is the purpose of the information? Is it intended to inform or teach, sell something, provide entertainment or persuade others?

    Do the authors or sponsors make their intentions clear?

    Does the information represent a fact, an opinion or propaganda?

    Does the perspective appear objective and impartial?

    Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

  • Select activity Video: Evaluating Information (University of South Australia)

    

    Video: Evaluating Information (University of South Australia) URL
  • Select activity Video: Peer Review in 3 Minutes (NC State University Libraries)

    

    Video: Peer Review in 3 Minutes (NC State University Libraries) URL