The Traap Test: Evaluating Information
Don't be trapped by sources--learn how to evaluate them! (adapted from the Meriam Library, California State University, Chico)
T - Timeliness
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Timeliness: The "newness" of the information
● When was the information published or posted?
● Have there been new versions or editions since this was published?
● How quickly does new research for this topic come out?
● Does new research expand upon or replace old information for this topic?
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R - Relevance
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Relevance: The depth and importance of the information for you
● Does this source help answer your question? Does only part of it help?
● Is it covering all aspects of your topic or only parts?
● How detailed is the information? Is it too basic for your needs? Too advanced?
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A - Authority
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Authority: The source of the information
● Who is the author? What can you find about her in the source itself or through a web search?
● Is the author a professor or other expert? Does she have a degree related to the topic? Has she written on the topic previously?
● Is the author drawing from her own personal experience?
● Has the information been reviewed in some way, such as by an editor, fact checker, or through peer review? Was it self-published or posted on a personal site?
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A - Accuracy
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Accuracy: The reliability and correctness of the information
● Where does the information come from?
● Does the author cite other sources? What does she cite?
● For websites, did the author provide links to other sources? Do the links still work?
● For studies, experiments, and other original research, does the author explain the methods she used to find her results?
● Does the information in this resource agree with other resources you have found and your own personal knowledge?
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P - Purpose
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Purpose: The reason the information was created
● Why did the author publish this source? Is she looking to inform, teach, advocate, sell, or entertain?
● Who is the intended audience? Is this designed for general readers or academic readers?
● What political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, personal or other perspectives does the author have?
● What perspectives are not included within this resource, especially less privileged perspectives?
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