REAL or FAKE Website?
Critical Evaluation of info
On this page.....
Use the CRAAP Model to evaluate your sources!
http://researchguides.ben.edu/c.php?g=261612&p=2146949
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Currency: the timeliness of the information
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When was the information published or posted?
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Has the information been revised or updated?
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Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
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Are the links functional?
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Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs
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Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
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Who is the intended audience?
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Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
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Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
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Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper.
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Authority: the source of the information
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Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
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Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
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What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
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What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
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Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
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Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
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examples:
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.com (commercial), .edu (educational), .gov (U.S. government)
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.org (nonprofit organization), or
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.net (network)
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Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content
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Where does the information come from?
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Is the information supported by evidence?
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Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
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Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
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Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
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Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
Purpose: the reason the information exists
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What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
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Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
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Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
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Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
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Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases
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Other Things to consider.....
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Professional Design
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Spelling Mistakes, grammar, and writing areas
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Links – Broken? Credible?
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Advertisements?
Download the Book Evaluation Checklist
Download the Website Evaluation Checklist
How to evaluate photos
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For more research on evaluating websites visit Kathy Schrock's Website
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Included: downloads for teachers and students