C - Currency: The Timeliness of the Information
Questions to Ask:
- When was the information published or last updated?
- Is the information recent enough for your topic? (Consider the field of study – a historical event might require older sources, while a scientific breakthrough demands the latest findings.)
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Are the links on the website functional?
- Is the information time-sensitive? (e.g., news articles about current events)
Why it Matters: Outdated information can be inaccurate or irrelevant, especially in rapidly evolving fields like science, technology, and current affairs. Using current sources ensures you're working with the most up-to-date knowledge.
Applying it:
- Websites: Look for publication dates, copyright dates, and "last updated" indicators.
- Articles/Books: Check the publication date on the cover page or in the bibliographic information.
- Consider your topic: A paper on the history of the internet will require different timelines than a paper on the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.
R - Relevance: The Importance of the Information for Your Needs
Questions to Ask:
- Does the information relate to your topic or answer your 1 research question?
- Who is the intended audience? (Is it scholarly, general public, etc.?)
- Is the information at an appropriate level for your needs? (Not too basic or too advanced)
- Have you looked at a variety of sources before settling on this one?
- Would this source contribute significantly to your research?
Why it Matters: Using relevant information ensures your work stays focused and directly addresses your assignment. Irrelevant sources can lead you down rabbit holes and weaken your arguments.
Applying it:
- Skim the source: Read the abstract, introduction, conclusion, and headings to get a sense of its scope and focus.
- Consider the audience: Is the language and level of detail appropriate for a college-level assignment?
- Don't settle for the first hit: Explore multiple sources to find the most relevant and impactful ones.
A - Authority: The Source of the Information
Questions to Ask:
- Who is the author, publisher, or sponsor?
- What are their credentials or affiliations? (Do they have expertise in the subject?)
- Is the author/organization reputable and trustworthy?
- Is there contact information provided for the author or publisher?
- Is the domain name of the website reputable (e.g., .edu, .gov, .org)? Be cautious with .com sites.
- Why it Matters: Knowing the author's background and the source's reputation helps you assess their credibility and potential biases. Experts in a field are more likely to provide accurate and reliable information.
Applying it:
- Look for author biographies or "About Us" sections: Investigate the author's qualifications and experience.
- Check the publisher's reputation: Is it a well-known academic press, a reputable organization, or a personal blog?
- Be wary of anonymous sources: While sometimes necessary (e.g., whistleblowing), anonymous sources should be treated with extra skepticism.
- Evaluate website domains: While .edu and .gov often indicate educational institutions and government agencies, be aware that anyone can register a .com domain.
A - Accuracy: The Reliability, Truthfulness, and Correctness of the Information
Questions to Ask:
- Is the information supported by evidence? (Are there citations, references, or data?)
- Has the information been reviewed or peer-reviewed? (Especially important for scholarly articles)
- Is the language objective and free of bias?
- Are there any grammatical errors or typos that might indicate a lack of editorial oversight?
- Can you verify the information in other reliable sources?
Why it Matters: Accurate information is essential for building sound arguments and avoiding misinformation. Relying on inaccurate sources can undermine your credibility and lead to incorrect conclusions.
Applying it:
- Look for citations and bibliographies: These indicate that the author has done their research and provides a way for you to verify the information.
- Check for peer review: Scholarly articles published in academic journals often undergo a rigorous peer-review process, increasing their reliability.
- Be aware of bias: Look for emotionally charged language, one-sided arguments, or conflicts of interest.
- Cross-reference information: Compare the information you find with other reputable sources to see if it aligns.
P - Purpose: The Reason the Information Exists
Questions to Ask:
- What is the purpose of the information? (To inform, teach, persuade, entertain, sell, etc.?)
- Is the purpose clearly stated?
- Is the information presented objectively or is there a clear bias?
- Is the website trying to sell you something or promote a particular agenda?
- Is the information free of advertising or are advertisements clearly distinguishable from the content?
Why it Matters: Understanding the author's or publisher's purpose helps you identify potential biases and evaluate the information within its intended context. Information created for persuasive or commercial purposes may not always be objective.
Applying it:
- Analyze the website's design and content: Are there excessive advertisements or a clear sales pitch?
- Read the "About Us" section: Understand the organization's mission and goals.
- Consider the source's potential biases: Does the author or organization have a particular viewpoint they are trying to promote?
- Be aware of sponsored content: Clearly identify information that has been paid for by a third party.
