Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you use a free public website.
Am I using this Google source because library databases were too complicated or intimidating? If your answer is "yes," come visit, phone (208-769-3265), or set up a virtual appointment with a librarian (librarian@nic.edu). We'll be happy to give you some academic research pointers!
Is the author of this source clearly known and a reliable authority on my research topic? If your answer is "no," don't use the source and look for something better. If you feel skeptical about the author's credentials, there is always a stronger alternative!
Is this information original research or does it summarize the work of others? Articles from news sources or blogs often summarize more detailed findings from research studies not available free online. To avoid misrepresenting the original author's research, it is best to find the original (primary) source. If you have questions on how to find a primary source, we're ready to help you at the library!
Does this article or webpage lack citations, contain misspellings, or have formatting problems? If the answer is "yes," don't use this information. This suggests a weak editing process and the information is probably not appropriate for academic research. Your thesis deserves stronger supporting sources!
Train yourself to use high quality sources by putting all information to the CRAAP test. The criteria for your CRAAP test may be different from your classmates. Remember that you should evaluate every source within the context of your assignment.
CURRENCY: Timeliness or Publication Date of Information Before you begin searching, write down a date range that is appropriate for your topic. For certain topics (technology, legal, medical, etc.), even 5 year old information may be too old. Setting and sticking to a publication date range will help you eliminate weak information quickly.
RELEVANCE: Applicability to Your Research Needs You may find search results that contain all your keywords, but aren't relevant to your goals for the speech. Before you begin searching, write down specific questions you want to answer. This will help you search with greater purpose and avoid information that is too general or broad.
AUTHORITY: Source or Creator of the Information Your research should always come from reputable sources. Before you begin searching, think of people who would be knowledgeable on your topic. Avoid crowd sourced internet sites like Answers.com or Wikihow for better alternatives specific to your topic.
ACCURACY: Trustworthy, Reliable or Correct Information The internet is notorious for inaccurate information. Using the other CRAAP criteria, determine if the author of the information is trustworthy. Then search to see how other sources on the same topic agree or disagree with the author's conclusion. Searching and reading widely from many different sources helps you expose inconsistencies or inaccurate information.
PURPOSE: Reason the Information Exists Intentions may influence the quality of the information. If an author is writing an article to sell something, to influence or change your opinion, or to entertain you, the quality of the information will change. Follow the money trail. Try to determine who may be making money (a publisher, a company, an individual, etc.) and how that may affect or skew the information.