LibGuides: Educational/Instructional Leadership Subject Research Guide: Selected Websites

How do I evaluate information on the Internet?

To determine if information found on the Internet is reliable and accurate, try the CAARP test:

Currency: The timeliness of the information. (Look for and use the most up-to-date information you can find. For scholarly sources, it is best to use information published in the past 10 years unless it is on a historical topic.)

Authority: The source of the information. (Is the source biased? What are the author's qualifications? Is the source reliable and accepted in the industry?)

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information. (Is the information supported by evidence? Can the source be verified? Can you find this information from more than one source? Does the author cite any other sources?)

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs. (Who is the intended audience? Is this source the most relevant possible source for your needs? Would you feel comfortable citing this source in your research?)

Purpose: The reason the information exists. (What is the purpose of this information? Is it designed to teach, educate, entertain, sell, etc.?)