1. Define or identify your topic
- Use basic reference tools (encyclopedias, bibliographies)
- State topic as a question (or series of questions)
- Identify main concepts or keywords
2. Find background information
- Look up main concepts or keywords in library catalog or periodical indexes
- If finding too much information or too many sources, narrow topic by using the “and” operator
- If finding too little information, broaden your topic using synonyms, truncation searching, or the “or” operator
3. Find out what has been written about your topic
4. Consider other types of materials that might be relevant to your research such as primary sources or internet sources
- Critically evaluate these sources
5. Cite your sources using appropriate style manual
(MLS or Chicago/Turabian) - Remember plagiarism is the use of another person's ideas or words without giving proper credit.
| SELECT A TOPIC |
| FIND BASIC INFORMATION |
| BROADEN OR NARROW TOPIC |
| LOCATE AND RETRIEVE MATERIALS |
| SELECT APPROPRIATE RESEARCH TOOLS |
| EVALUATE RESOURCES FOR RELEVANCY |
Evaluating Information — Applying the CRAAP Test (from California State U., Chico) Coined by Sarah Blakeslee at Meriam Library, the CRAAP Test is a great way to remember the critical elements for evaluating any information, including Web sites.
When you search for information, you're going to find a lots of it ... but is it accurate and reliable? You will have to determine this for yourself, and the
CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to determine if the information you have is reliable. Please keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need. So, what are you waiting for? Is your web site credible and useful, or is it a bunch of ....?!
Evaluation Criteria
Currency: The timeliness of the information.
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?
- Are the links functional?
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
- Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
- Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority: The source of the information.
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- Are the author's credentials or organizational affliations given?
- What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
- Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
- examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
- Where does the information come from?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
- What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
