is all about asking "who is telling me what and why?" There are several different frameworks, such as the 5 W's, Lateral Reading, The SIFT Method, or the CRAAP Test, that you can use to help evaluate sources, but all are trying to find the same essential information.
Using these questions helps ensure that you use credible and reliable sources for your research.
Lateral reading means checking other websites to see if they agree with what you're reading. Instead of just focusing on one source, you look around online to make sure the information is correct and trustworthy. This helps you get a full picture and avoid false or biased information.
In the context of online sources, "lateral" refers to the practice of opening new tabs in your browser and moving sideways across different sources on the internet, rather than diving deeper into the first source you find. By opening new tabs and exploring information on other websites, you can compare and validate the original content, ensuring it's accurate and trustworthy.
The SIFT Method is a simple way to check if information is trustworthy. It involves four steps.
The CRAAP Test is a checklist to help you evaluate the reliability and usefulness of an information source. Consider these factors:
Add Quotation Marks for multiple keywords that make up a phrase to search for the term in a specific or EXACT order. This narrows your search and provides more specific and relevant resources.
Examples: social media marketing vs. “social media marketing” or minimum wage vs. "minimum wage"
Most library search tools allow you to filter or limit your search results to help narrow down the list of results you get. Just like shopping online, you can use filters to help you have fewer results to sort through.
Common filters to use are
Create a list of keywords associated with your topic. Consider what else it could be called (synonyms). Many times experts are using different terminology than us. Keep an eye out for new terms you find while researching.
Topics can be narrowed or broadened depending on the use of search terms. Some examples:
General: coffee
Narrower: cold brew
Broader: beverages
General: economic theories
Narrower: supply and demand
Broader: economics
Citations in APA follow a formula. See examples below of what your APA citation should look like depending on the source you are citing. Learn more about APA citation by visiting the APA Style Guideline link below.
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Covers: 1971-. This business and trade database indexes and offers full text for U.S. and international academic and trade journals covering business and economic conditions, accounting, finance, corporate strategies, management techniques, as well as competitive and product information.
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