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How to Evaluate Resources

Are you choosing the best resources? Find out how to decide

When you are selecting information to include in a college-level essay, it is important to evaluate your sources carefully. Using the TRAAP Test, based on a test developed at the Meriam Library at Cal State Chico, will make this process easier. Ask yourself these questions BEFORE you decide to use a source.

Timeliness: the timeliness of the information

  •     When was the information published or posted?
  •     Has the information been revised or updated?
  •     Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
  •     If you are examining a website or online source, are the links functional?

Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs

  •     Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  •     Who is the intended audience?
  •     Is the information at an appropriate level (for example, not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  •     Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  •     Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

Authority: the source of the information

  •     Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  •     What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  •     Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  •     Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  •     If you are examining a website or online source, does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content

  •     Where does the information come from?
  •     Is the information supported by evidence?
  •     Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  •     Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  •     Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  •     Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose: the reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? 
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Although there is no exact science to website evaluation, the TRAAP Test can take much of the guesswork out of the process. In addition, the following provides some of the criteria you may wish to consider.

Difficulties with Evaluating Websites

Evaluating a website can be a complicated process. Items in the library are usually easier to evaluate because they have already been reviewed twice by the time you see them. First, an editor verifies that the information is accurate. Second, a librarian determines whether the item is appropriate for the collection. Freely-available resources on the internet usually do not pass through this review process.

Understanding Top-Level Domain Names

Most URLs include a three-letter suffix (top-level domain) that defines their purpose, and there are a limited number of these domains. Although these are a good starting point for evaluation, it's important to recognize the advantages and drawbacks of each top-level domain:

.edu--educational institution site

        Websites with a .edu domain are used schools that are regionally accredited although there are some grandfathered sites that are not. Be sure to examine the site carefully since students or faculty members may publish personal pages.

.com--commercial site

        A .com domain relects commercial; however, that does not mean that a website was created to make money. Many companies advertise and sell products, as well as publish annual reports and other company information for their customers, stockholders, and potential investors on the internet. Some information may be available for a fee. Examine these sites carefully.

 .gov--United States government site

        Sites with a .gov domain are restricted to government entities, such as U.S. federal government departments, programs, and agencies; state government entities and programs; and cities, counties, and parishes. These agencies use the internet to publish legislation, census information, weather data, tax forms, and many other documents.

 .org--non-profit organization site

        Sites with a .org domain are hosted by non-profit organizations. Sites hosted by reputable entities, such as the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or the World Health Organization contain valuable information. While most of these sites contain reliable information, make sure to check the credentials for the hosting entity and evaluate carefully for bias and accuracy.

Librarian Selected Websites

For librarian selected websites in your area of study, please visit the Research/Subject Guides available through the Library’s website (http://www1.chapman.edu/library/). To access, simply click “Research / Subject Guides” under “Research.” View the “Internet Guides” tab within most guides for a list of websites.

Criteria for Evaluating Websites

Websites should be evaluated using the TRAAP Test. In fact, there are several questions on the test that are geared specifically toward websites. When in doubt, ask yourself the TRAAP questions. If you still have questions, consult your instructor or ask a librarian.

Books

Books can be a wonderful resource when performing scholarly research, but it’s important to realize that not all books are created equal. Just because something can be found in print does not mean that you should use it in your paper. In addition to using the TRAAP Test, here are some additional tips.

  • Check out the publisher. Universities and other education or research institutions are often reliable publishers.
  • Pay close attention to the author and the author’s credentials.
  • Is the book part of the Leatherby Libraries’ collection? Remember, books that are part of the collection have been carefully reviewed and selected by librarians or requested by instructors in the subject.

As always, use the TRAAP Test. If you need further assistance with determining whether a book is appropriate, contact your instructor or ask a librarian.

Journal Articles

Journals articles can be incredible sources for your papers, but just like books, you want to make sure to use the TRAAP Test before making the decision to include them in your work. For more information about journals, please see the About Periodicals page.