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Misinformation 2022

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How to Research

Just getting started on a research paper or project? This is the guide for you!

 

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (2017, March). How to spot fake news [Online image]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Infographic_How_to_spot_fake_news_published_by_the_International_Federation_of_Library_Associations_and

_Institutions.png CC BY-4.0

 

The CRAAP Test is a series of questions to ask about any source of information.  The questions will help you decide whether your source is credible and appropriate for use in your research.

 

C

Currency: The timeliness of the information

  • Do you know when the information was published, posted, or last updated?
  • Is the information current for your topic and field of study?

R

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs

  • Is the information appropriate for a college-level course?
  • Is this an adequately in-depth discussion of the topic?
  • Has Canadian perspective or content been provided?

A

Authority: The source of the information

  • Have the author's credentials or organizational affiliations been identified?
  • Is the author (or authors) qualified to write on the topic?
  • Has the piece been published by a well-known and respected publisher or organization?

A

Accuracy: The reliability and correctness of the informational content

  • Have the author's sources been clearly cited so that you can easily find (and verify) them?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

P

Purpose: The reason the information exists

  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Does the point of view appear objective, unbiased and impartial?
  • Does the author acknowledge alternative versions of the issues or facts?

 

Adapted from: The University of the Fraser Valley (2009). Evaluating information: The CRAAP test. Retrieved from http://www.ufv.ca/library/tutorials/craaptest.htm

  • How to identify misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (ITSAP.00.300) - Government of Canada: HERE

  • Fact or fiction: Quick tips to help identify “fake news” - Government of Canada: HERE