There is a lot of information out there, but how do you determine what is good information? Try using the CRAAP test to determine if your source is reliable.
Currency: Timeliness of the information |
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Relevance: Importance of the information for your topic |
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Authority: Source of the information |
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Accuracy: Reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content |
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Purpose: Reason the information exists |
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When evaluating website sources, paying attention to domain extensions can help you judge reliability. Domain extensions are the last part of a web address (like .com or .edu). Here’s what to know:
.edu — Educational institutions. Often reliable, but check the author (students vs. professors).
.gov — Government websites. Highly trustworthy for official data and laws.
.org — Usually non-profits. Can be reliable, but some have strong biases.
.com — Commercial sites. Good for news or products, but watch for advertisements and profit-driven content.
.net — Originally for networks, now used broadly. Quality varies; verify the author.
Tips:
Always check who wrote the content, even on trusted domains.
Look for signs of bias or outdated information.
Use domain type as a clue — not a final judgment!
This helps you choose credible sources for research!