Emerson College Library: Teaching Materials Cache: Source Evaluation

Evaluating Sources for Credibility (video)

What does it mean for a source to be credible? Discusses author/publisher expertise, bias, peer review, currency, and how you’ll use it.

Used with permission from the NCSU Libraries.

CRAAP Test
CRAAP Test outlines 5 broad elements to consider when evaluating information: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose, and includes questions to consider for each element.

Used with permission from the CSU Chico Libraries.

Media Bias Chart - created by Vanessa Otero (interactive webpage)
Continuously updated interactive map of the news landscape, showing a bell curve of political affiliation, type of reporting (facts, analysis, complex analysis), and reliability. Also includes a static version of the media landscape chart for printing or download.

Web Literacy for Student Fact Checkers [electronic resource] by Michael Caulfield
"This is an unabashedly practical guide for the student fact-checker. It supplements generic information literacy with the specific web-based techniques that can get you closer to the truth on the web more quickly." - from the author, Michael A. Caulfield
"Learning To Spot Fake News: Start With A Gut Check," NPR Article by A. Kamenetz
Includes list of fact-checking websites, and proven fact-checker strategies from Michael A. Caulfield's book, Web Literacy for Student Fact Checkers.
Spot Fake News - IFLA website
Information and Infographic PDF by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.

How to Spot Fake News PDF (English)
IFLA's infographic also available online in many different languages.

Fake News Can Be Dangerous, Here's How to Spot It (28 min podcast) - NPR
Focuses on COVID-19 "infodemic" of misinformation and disinformation on the pandemic. Relevant strategies for any type of fake news. Also includes interpretation of the podcast as a comic strip. Accessed April, 24, 2020.

Assignment or in-class activity ideas for encouraging your students to evaluate sources:

Have students apply the CRAAP test to one of their sources from their bibliography (or a peer's).
Assign students to evaluate a source that has both strengths and weaknesses (example: policy paper with clear bias from a left- or right-leaning think tank).
Assign students to create an annotated bibliography as an early stage to a paper.