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Learn how to check if the information you find online or in print is trustworthy.
Imagine you find a viral post claiming that eating chocolate makes you invisible. It looks like a news article, but is it a breakthrough or just a prank? How can you tell the difference before you share it?
In the world of information, credibility is the quality of being trusted and believed in. When you write an essay or give a presentation, your argument is only as strong as your sources. If you use a source that is untrustworthy, your entire project loses its value. Think of credibility as the 'street cred' of the internet. A credible source is one written by someone who knows the subject well and provides evidence that others can verify. Without credibility, we are just guessing!
Quick Check
In your own words, why does using a non-credible source hurt your own writing?
Answer
Using a non-credible source makes your own argument untrustworthy because it is built on unverified or false information.
To judge a source quickly, use the CRAAP Test. This acronym helps you remember five key areas to check: 1. Currency: Is the info up-to-date? 2. Relevance: Does it actually fit your specific topic? 3. Authority: Who is the author? Are they an expert? 4. Accuracy: Is the info supported by evidence? 5. Purpose: Why was this written? To teach, or to sell something?
You are researching current Mars missions. You find two sources: 1. A book from 1965 titled The Future of Mars. 2. A 2024 article from NASA's official website.
Step 1: Check Currency. The 1965 book is too old for 'current' missions. Step 2: Check Authority. NASA is a leading expert in space. Conclusion: Source 2 is the reliable choice.
Quick Check
If you are researching the best way to treat a cold and find a blog post by a company selling 'Magic Cold Juice,' which part of the CRAAP test is the biggest red flag?
Answer
Purpose (and likely Authority/Accuracy), because the author's goal is to sell a product, not provide neutral medical advice.
Bias is a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment or prejudice. Every writer has a perspective, but a biased source tries to force you to see things only one way by leaving out facts or using loaded language (words meant to trigger strong emotions). To spot bias, ask: Is the author using 'mean' or 'heroic' adjectives? Are they ignoring the other side of the story? A reliable source usually acknowledges different viewpoints even if it disagrees with them.
Read these two sentences: 1. 'School uniforms are a smart way to help students focus on learning.' 2. 'Strict, prison-like uniforms crush a student's soul and destroy their individuality.'
Analysis: Sentence 2 uses loaded language ('prison-like', 'crush', 'destroy') to create a strong negative emotional response. This is a sign of heavy bias.
You find a beautiful infographic on social media claiming that of teenagers prefer digital books over print. It has no author listed, no date, and no links to a study.
Step 1: Check Authority. There is no author or organization listed. Step 2: Check Accuracy. There is no link to the original data or study. Step 3: Check Currency. Without a date, we don't know if this data is from last year or 2010. Conclusion: Even though it looks professional, this source fails the CRAAP test and should not be used.
What does the 'A' in the CRAAP test stand for (there are two)?
Which of these is an example of 'loaded language'?
A source can be written by an expert (Authority) but still be biased.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to list all five parts of the CRAAP acronym from memory and explain one.
Practice Activity
Find a news article online today and try to find the 'Authority' (author) and the 'Currency' (date). If you can't find them, ask yourself if you should trust it!