Common Boxes

The CRAAP method

Currency (When?) 
When was the article published? If the article is on a website, when was the page last updated? Are links to other sites still active?

Relevance (What?) 
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? 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?

Authority (Who?) 
Who wrote the article? What are the credentials of the author? How can I find out more about the author?

Accuracy (Where?) 
Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed? Can you verify any of the information in another source? Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose / Bias (Why?) 
What is the purpose of the periodical? What does the author say is the purpose of the article? Is the article objective or is only one point of view presented? Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?

Source: The Flat World Knowledge Handbook for Writers, Version 1.0 - Chapter 7

Created by the National Hispanic University Library

The BACAS method

Bias  (Why?)
What is the purpose of the periodical? What does the author say is the purpose of the article? Is the article objective or is only one point of view presented?

Authority (Who?)
Who wrote the article? What are the credentials of the author? How can I find out more about the author?

Currency (When?)
When was the article published? If the article is on a website, when was the page last updated? Are links to other sites still active?

Audience (Where?)
What reader level is this information aimed? How useful is this information for your purpose? Does it cover your subject in enough depth? Do you feel comfortable citing this article in a college-level assignment?

Source(What?)
Where does the article's information come from? Is it scholarly or popular? Can you verify the information in the article? Are there references or links to other sites?

Video created by Western University

Things to consider:

• Who is the author/publisher? Are they a scholar/expert in the field?
• What is the intent of the publication - to educate, inform, sell, persuade?
• Is the information bias or objective in its presentation?
• When was the source published or last updated? How important is currency of information regarding this topic?
• Who is the intended audience of this work?
• Is the research funded by an external body? If so, does that body appear to have a vested interest in the outcome of the research?