Library: Chemistry at Webster University Library: Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Websites

C.R.A.A.P. Evaluation Method
Coined by Sarah Blakeslee at Meriam Library, the CRAAP Test is a great way to remember the critical elements for evaluating any information, including Web sites. This one page PDF document outlines the criteria to consider for the information's Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.
C.R.A.A.P. Examples
Real-life examples of how CRAAP test can separate good resources from bad
The P.R.O.V.E.N. Evaluation Method
Questions to help you think critically during the source evaluation process.
S.T.A.A.R. Evaluation Method
Another method for evaluating source material. Explained by University of South Carolina Upstate.
Learn More About Webpages Found on Google
How to find out more about the source of webpages found using Google.
Learn search tips & how results relate to your search on Google
URL & What It Can Tell You
Information on how to read a URL from University of South Caroline Upstate Library Research Guide
Evaluating Information (Penn State Libraries)
Created by Penn State University Libraries, these fun, short, video tutorials walk you through the process of "thinking critically about all the information you encounter."

Practice C.R.A.A.P. Evaluation

Imagine we are looking for the specific heat capacity of silver. Let's evalute a few of the top results we get when we search Google using the terms "specific heat capacity table metals". Click on each link and evaluate the website using the C.R.A.A.P. checklist below.

1. Specific Heat Capacities of Metals Tables Chart
2. Specific heats and molar heat capacities
3. Specific Heats and Molar Heat Capacities
(hint for #3: also review this associated webpage https://chem.libretexts.org/Ancillary_Materials/Reference/Reference_Tables/Thermodynamics_Tables)