Searching and evaluating Internet websites can be challenging even for the
most proficient users. The resources that I am providing are intended to help
teachers and students to successfully navigate the Internet and evaluate
websites in order to determine their validity.
The C.R.A.P.P. Method
*Currency
o How recent is the information?
o When was the website updated?
o Is it current enough for your topic?
*Reliability
o What kind of information is included in the resource?
o Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is biased?
o Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
*Authority
o Who is the creator or author?
o What are the credentials?
o Who is the publisher or sponsor?
o Are they reputable?
o What is the publisher’s interest (if any) in this information?
o Are there advertisements on the website?
*Accuracy:
o Where does the information come from?
o Are the original sources of information listed?
o Can you verify any of the information in independent sources or from your
own knowledge?
o Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
o Does the language or tone seem biased?
o Are there spelling, grammar, or other typos?
*Purpose/Point of View
o Is this fact or opinion?
o Is it biased?
o Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?
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Web Domains: Evaluating Information
Use the following URL endings to help determine the suitability of a website.
.gov: government sites
.edu: education sites
.com: commercial sites
.mil: military sites
.net: any person with an Internet service provider
.org: nonprofit organizations
.int: international organizations
.info: collections of information in one site to make researching easier |