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Internet for Beginners

For new users of the internet and anyone looking for tips and suggestions.

How to evaluate the quality of a website

There is a lot of information on the internet. To evaluate the quality of a website, give it the CRAAP Test. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your needs.

Currency

  • 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  • Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?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

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience and is the information at an appropriate age level?
  • 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

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or affiliations?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

 

Accuracy

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence and is it referenced?
  • Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

 

Purpose:

  • What is the purpose of the information? 
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?

 

Citing Internet Sources

Click on the link below to learn how to cite an internet source.