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Activity 5

Information Literacy Unit — Activity 5

CRAAB Presentation

Activity 5: The evaluation instruments

In this activity, you will become familiar with the vocabulary and concepts necessary to evaluate resources and complete your worksheet.

Authority

Here's an example of a website that appears to represent one of our most respected authorities.
What is the clue that tells you it is bogus?

  • Can you tell who created it?
  • If the author is not available, what do you know about the group/organization/company promoting the information? 
  • Is the page hosted by a public service or major institution?
  • What knowledge do they have on the subject?
  • Is it Jimmy Jones from Mrs. Johnson's 3rd-grade class?
  • Or is it Professor James Jones from Johnson University?

Currency 

Where on this website can you tell the date?
What is the difference between when the article was originally written and when the web page was updated?

  • When was the information written?
  • Has it been updated recently?
  • Is it important to have the most current information for your particular research?

Accuracy / Credibility

This is a website that is promoting action against a product. 
What else can you tell about the accuracy of this website? 
Evaluate the accuracy or credibility of this information using this website.

  • Does it have correct, inaccurate, or misleading information?  
  • Can the facts be verified?
  • Can you test the information against other references?

Bias or Point of View

These websites discuss World Wildlife Fund vs. the Pets or Food: 

  • How does the author's information compare to what you know?
  • Is the site or author giving you facts or is it trying to sway you to a particular way of thinking?
  • Could some individuals view the site differently than you?
  • What can you do to test a website?

Relevancy

Does this example give information about "Cardinals"? 

  • Does the information have meaning for your research?
  • Does it have your keywords but they are used in another context?
  • If you wanted information on the football team, how could you improve your search to get the relevant or right information?

Is it factual or promotional (advertising)?

You are now ready to move on to Activity 6:  Search Engines