How do you evaluate the information you find, especially when Googling?
Lateral reading and CRAAP
It's important to use a range of techniques when evaluating a source. We recommend using lateral reading alongside the CRAAP method.
What is the CRAAP method?
The CRAAP method evaluates a source, like a webpage, using the criteria of:
Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose. Read more.
These are all good things to look for, but simply scanning a source to decide if it is suitable under these criteria is not always a reliable test. Lateral reading can help.
What is lateral reading?
Lateral reading is when you cross-check a source using other sources to determine if the author/publisher and content are credible. Using lateral reading techniques gives you confidence that the source you are reading is reliable. This is particularly important with websites. Scroll down to see Lateral reading techniques.
If in doubt, check it out!
Even if you think the source is reliable, get into the habit of checking your sources*. Don’t simply rely on the source itself to convince you of its authority.
(*You may not need to do this with every source. Some sources will be recommended by your course, e.g. textbooks, scholarly articles, industry/government websites.)
GenerativeAI
Whilst GenAI tools, like ChatGPT, can be handy study tools (see Using AI tools) we don't generally recommend using them as one of your sources of information, as there is no guarantee the generated text is correct.
Evaluation Myths
Certain criteria we may have relied on in the past, are not always reliable indicators today:
Evaluation Myth
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Why this criterion is not always reliable
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| Domain Names .org .com .gov .edu .ac indicate the type of source. |
Domain names can be an indicator of the type of source, e.g. governmental, educational etc., but keep in mind it’s relatively easy for someone to set up a website with any domain name, so you may not always be able to rely on these as indicators of a particular type of site.
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| Production Value shows it's a 'good' site |
How slick or professional a site looks is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Anyone can create a well-designed attractive website, mimicking official-looking logos and style. This is why investigating the creators of the content is more important.
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| Advertisements = poor quality |
If a site has advertising, it doesn’t always mean it's a ‘dodgy’ site. Many websites have ads, even those with reliable content.
However, look for sponsored/advertorial content, where an entire article/story is in fact an advertisement.
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| About Section shows professionalism and credibility |
While it’s worth reading an About Us section as a starting point, keep in mind that anyone can write a convincing spiel to promote themselves. See below how to use lateral reading to determine the reliability of a site.
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| Citations & Linked Sources show credibility/research |
When a website includes links to other sources and citations, it is not always an indicator of quality. Make sure you investigate what these actually are rather than trusting that the links are truly research. See more under lateral reading.
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Lateral reading techniques
Not all techniques will apply to every source. Use any that may be useful in helping you decide if a source is reliable and appropriate for your study (or in life!).
Action
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Why?
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New tab
Open a new tab in your browser.
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You need to leave the source itself to independently check it.
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Author/Publisher - check Wikipedia
Look for the author, publisher or website name in Wikipedia.
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Wikipedia can be a handy starting point to check out the reliability of a source.
E.g. At first glance, these two organisations might seem very similar. However, compare results when searching for them in Wikipedia. Consider their purpose, membership numbers, potential for bias, etc.
American College of Pediatricians
versus
American Academy of Pediatrics
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Consensus
Do a search on the same topic to see what other sources are saying and providing as evidence.
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If you notice other sources give conflicting information or you can't find another source on the topic, this may be a red flag about the reliability of your source.
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Fact check/Media bias
Check for the title or publisher using one of our recommended fact checkers, or a media bias checker.
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Some websites may present mis/disinformation or fake news. There are a number of fact-checking sites that are dedicated to seeing if the claims in a source are based on fact, e.g. FactCheck.org, Google Fact Check Explorer, PolitiFact
Likewise, news sources may show varying degrees of bias: Media Bias/Fact Check
See more fact checkers (Berkeley Library, 2023).
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Find the original source
If your source, e.g. a newspaper article, is reporting on another source, see if you can access the original source. |
One source reporting on another source is not necessarily a problem. However, to make sure the source has been quoted accurately, you are best to go to the original source, if possible. You may have access to the source via our Library. |
I need help!
It’s not always straight forward deciding if a source is a ‘good source’. If you’re ever in doubt and would like some assistance, that’s what we’re here for! Don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our friendly Library & Learning Support Liaisons will be in touch.
The Open Polytechnic Library & Learning Centre acknowledges the use of the Lateral Reading information provided by the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Libraries as a valuable source in creating the content for this page.
An important part of your study is dealing with information, including:
Once you’ve determined what information you need, the next step is knowing how to find it.
How you use and apply information can have a big influence on the flow and quality of your assessment.