Consider the difference in these two oral citations:

"All around the world, women earn less than men and have fewer opportunities for both jobs and meaningful careers."

"According to a 2007 report from the United Nations Women: UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women: “'Women perform 66 percent of the world’s work, produce 50 percent of the food, but earn 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the property.'"

“Facts & Figures on Women, Poverty & Economics.” UN Women. United Nations. Web. 20 Oct, 2011.

Which is more effective? Why?

Consider the difference in these two oral citations:

"According to homeschooling.com, homeschooled children 'receive a superior education that is attuned specifically to their own needs, learning style, personality and interests.'" 

"According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, 'Eighty-five percent of homeschooled students were being homeschooled, in part, because of their parents' concern about the environment of other schools.'"

Which statement is more credible? Why?

Ask yourself: Does this information belong in my academic project or is it .... CRAAP?

 Currency: 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 a website, 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 (i.e. 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 on the web, 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?