According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of the word "fact" is: a piece of information presented as having objective reality. A fact is a piece of information that is independently verifiable; if we both count the same pile of pennies, we should each have the same total. Facts are facts.
Are your sources credible and useful, or are they a bunch of . . .?!
The CRAAP Test is a list of questions that help you determine if the sources you found are accurate and reliable. Keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need. View or print this PDF.
After viewing this tutorial, students will increase their ability to select appropriate sources for their research paper by applying basic criteria for evaluating all resources. (2:11 min.)
Why and how to evaluate information using the CRAAP test. (12:32 min.)
Applying the CRAAP test to real-life examples. (12:55 min.)
What does it mean for a source to be credible? Why is it important to use these sources? How can you tell if a source is credible? (3:14 min.)
There are many different elements in a sample of writing or media that determine its credibility. Here are a few things to look out for as you research:
Timeliness - How long ago was the source written? Within 7-8 years of the date you are researching the topic is ideal. Depending on the instructor, up to 20 years might be accepted as long as the information hasn't been proven false by current research, or there isn't current research available on the topic.
Source - Where is the information coming from? Government websites, university libraries, and websites such as Google Scholar offer a variety of credible sources to chose from. Always research the author of the piece. Are they educated in their field, or do they have other qualifications and certificates that apply to their topic? Be wary of Wikipedia, blogs, and websites filled with advertisements that are often written by people who have an interest in the topic but no professional background in it. Likewise, social media is never considered a credible source, especially not the news on social media. Social media is overrun with fake news that can't be trusted. Remember, anyone can post on the internet. Research to ensure that the writer is knowledgeable.
Bias - Have you considered media bias? Each news article you read leans toward a certain political view. Read news articles from other perspectives to ensure that your source is credible and unbiased. While your source may be a news station, bias can ruin its credibility. Similarly, people vary greatly in their views on certain topics. A person might write from a biased perspective while ignoring other facts. Double-check any source that seems biased with other sources to gain a better understanding of where the writer is coming from, and if their view is credible or not. It is equally important to be aware of your own biases so that you don't discount credible sources just because they differ from your opinions.
Bias referes to a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others, which usually results in treating some people unfairly. When evaluating sources, it is important to look for and recognize bias so as not to confuse a writer's opinion with facts. It is equally important to be aware of your own biases so that you don't discount credible sources just because they differ from your opinions.
Fallacies are arguments that comes to a conclusion without evidence to support them, and they come in many varieties.