Science Research: Home

If you come across a website that will not let you access information without a "donation"...RUN AWAY!

Go to these databases for good background information that will help you choose a topic for investigation then RETURN to find resources for the literature review and deeper understanding of your topic.

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Evaluating Websites

The CRAP Test

Evaluate Websites Using these Criteria

Currency, Relevance, Authority and Purpose/Point of View

Currency

• How recent is the information?
• How recently was the site updated?
• Is it current enough for your topic?

Relevance

• Does the information add to or support your research?
• Does the site provide additional links that are also useful?
• Does the site provide more or less information than you need?

Authority

• Who is the author/creator?
• What are their credentials or connections to the subject?
• What institution are they affiliated with?
• Who is the publisher or sponsor?

Purpose/Point of View

• Is the information fact, opinion, a spoof or a commercial?
• It it biased?
• Are all sides of an issue represented?

(adapted from Rohrbough LibGuide, OSU)