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Evaluating a web page (or any information source, for that matter):
We tend to think of our era as one increasingly inundated with inaccurate information, or “fake news.” But since our ancestors began to scratch symbols onto clay tablets, we’ve been communicating falsehoods and misinterpretations, sometimes intentionally, more often inadvertently.
How do we spot inaccurate information, especially when looking at websites? We Google a topic, often retrieving hundreds, thousands, or millions of results. How do we evaluate what we find? Here’s a little test you can use: It's called the T.R.A.A.P. Test; it helps you evaluate sources based on the following criteria:
Timeliness, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose/Point of View (TRAAP)
• Timeliness
o When was the information published or posted?
o Has the information been revised or updated? When? Recently?
o Is it current enough for your topic?
• Relevance
o Does the information relate to your topic?
o Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
o Who is the intended audience?
o What kind of information is included in the resource?
o Is better information available elsewhere?
• Accuracy
o Is the information accurate?
o Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
o Where does the information come from?
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 or qualifications to write on the topic?
o Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable?
o Is there contact information, such as publisher or email address?
o Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (examples: .com, .edu, .org, .net, .gov)
• Purpose/Point of View
o What is the purpose of the information? To inform? Teach? Sell? Entertain? Persuade?
o Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?
o Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
o Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
(Adapted from various versions in the LibGuides Community, infoLab, and California State University, Chico)
Need help? I’m always available!
~Judy Clarence, M.L.I.S., GMU Librarian
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