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Research: Step Four: Evaluate Sources

Why Evaluate Information Sources

You have located some resources for your assignment, but are they appropriate for your research? It's easy to find articles in databases and websites on the Internet, but are they reliable? With so much information available, both print and online, researchers need to examine the sources (books, articles, and websites) to determine whether they are reliable and appropriate for their research needs.

The TRAAP Test (Timeliness, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) was adapted from Sarah Blakeslee of the Meriam Library at California State University, Chico.  Below are questions to guide you through the process of evaluating a source for reliability. 

Parkway Middle School Databases

 

Evaluate Sources using TRAAP

T.R.A.A.P.

(The headings are linked to a presentation on the topic.)

Timeliness: the currency or 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  • Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?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 affiliations given?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?   examples: .com (commercial), .edu (educational), .gov (U.S. government), .org (nonprofit organization), or .net (network)

Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content and 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?

Learning Steps

Identify the

  • timeliness of the source.
  • relevancy of the source.
  • authority of the source.
  • accuracy of the source.
  • purpose of the source.

Is Wikipedia A Credible Source?

Teacher Resources