Using less credible sources to support design claims can lead to a less credible design. Before using any source, evaluate it for credibility. One method of evaluation is the CRAAP test:
Currency |
The timeliness of the information |
Relevance |
The importance of the information for your needs |
Authority |
The source of the information |
Accuracy |
The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information |
Purpose |
The reason the information exists |
Use the worksheet below to help evaluate sources.
When doing research, people use a variety of sources. Popular articles are a good starting point and place to get background information. Scholarly or research articles are considered credible sources of information and can help support claims through research.
Scholarly articles... | Popular articles... |
are written by researchers, university faculty and scholars | are written by free-lance or salaried reporters and writers |
use the technical language of a specific research area | use language the general public would understand |
usually have a reference list and may be peer-reviewed* | rarely have a reference list |
*Peer-review articles are assessed for quality by researchers in the field before they are published. These articles are considered to have a high level of credibility.
Use the directory below to help determine if a journal or periodical is peer-reviewed:
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