This is the "Evaluate Sources" page of the "ENGL 1000 Freshman English I" guide.
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Last Updated: Jul 8, 2016 URL: Print Guide RSS Updates

Evaluate Sources Print Page

It's on the Internet, so it's true... right?


Test Your Knowledge

Your instructor has asked you to write a paper based on current scholarly information. What would be the most appropriate source to use?


Do's and Don'ts of Wikipedia


  • maintain a level of skepticism when reading Wikipedia articles


  • cite Wikipedia articles in your bibliography for assignments or papers

What is Wikipedia?





  1. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia.
  2. Wikipedia is written from a neutral point of view.
  5. Wikipedia does not have firm rules.

Suggestion Box


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Locate, Evaluate, and Use Information

Locate, Evaluate, and Use Information


The Evaluation Process

  • Understand the spectrum between fact and opinion.
  • Question issues of perspective, point of view, and bias.
  • Be skeptical of everything you find.
  • Be mindful that there are many different types of information online, from research data to opinions.
  • Compare and contrast different information resources.


Are your sources credible and useful, or are they a bunch of . . .?! 

The CRAAP Test is a rubric that helps you determine if the sources you found are accurate and reliable.  Keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.

Key: * indicates criteria is for Web sources only

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Are the links functional? *
Relevance:The importance of the information for your needs.
  • Who is the intended audience?
Authority: The source of the information.
  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists.

View the Rickman Library rubric for evaluating sources, the CRAAP test.  View the Rickman Library Evaluating Sources PowerPoint.

This is a modified version of a document created by Sarah Blakeslee at Meriam Library, CSU Chico.


Wikipedia: Beneath the Surface





Evaluating Sources of Information from the Purdue OWL

Is Wikipedia a scholarly source?


"Wikipedia is not considered a credible source. Wikipedia is increasingly used by people in the academic community, from freshman students to professors, as an easily accessible tertiary source for information about anything and everything. However, citation of Wikipedia in research papers may be considered unacceptable, because Wikipedia is not considered a credible or authoritative source. This is especially true considering anyone can edit the information given at any time." Source:


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