GHHU 2901 - Fleming (Online) - Summer 2023: Week Two: Evaluation Part I

CRAAP

Currency
When was the information published or Posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Is the current or out-of-date for your topic?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?
is the information at an appropriate level?
Have you looked at a variety of sources before choosing this ones?
Would be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What are the author's qualifications to write on this topic?
Is there contact information, such as 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?
Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
Can you verify any of the information in another sources?
Does the language or tone seem biased and free of choice?

Purpose
What is the purpose of the information?
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?

Breaking News Consumer's Handbook

1. In the immediate aftermath, news outlets will get it wrong.
2. Don't trust anonymous sources.
3. Don't trust news stories that cite another news outlet as the source for information.
4. There's almost never a second shooter.
5. Pay attention the language the media uses.
6. "We are getting reports"...could mean anything.
   "We are seeking information"...means they don't have it.
   "[News outlet] has learned"... means it has a scoop or is going out on limbs.
7. Look for news outlets close to the incident.
8. Compare multiple source.
9. Big news brings out fakers. And photoshoppers.
10. Beware reflexive tweeting. Some of this is on you.

On the Media. (2014, August 1). The breaking news handbook: Active shooter edition. https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/segments/breakingnews-consumers-handbook

SIFT

STOP

• Before you read the article, stop!

• Ask yourself: Do I know and trust this website? Do I know it's reputation?

INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE

• Know what you are reading before trusting it. 
• Use a search engine to find information about a website, author, or publisher before reading the source.

FIND BETTER (TRUSTED) SOURCES

• Search for other sources on the same topic
• Keep a list of trusted, verified, and peer-reviewed sources on your topic
• Abandon sources if their facts cannot be verified

TRACE CLAIMS, QUOTES, & MEDIA BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

• Follow links to find the original source
•  ASK: Is the original information being accurately represented? 
• REMEMBER: Don't click on links you don't trust.