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ENG1a & ENG1c (G Mora)

Library Research Guide for Pro/Con project

Find Websites

Here are a few tips to increase your effectiveness using Google:

  • To limit to a particular domain,
    enter     site: before the domain, 
    e.g. site:.edu or site:.gov.
    Domains are related to 
    the TYPE of site it is:

    .edu = education or university
    .gov  = government
    .org  = nonprofit
    .com, .net = commercial
     
  • If you're searching using a very specific phrase, place it in quotes. This will search for those words in that exact order.

    Examples:

    "physical therapy" 
    "power of attorney"
     
  • Try adding the phrase allintitle: before your search terms.
    • Example: allintitle:social media impact families
       
  • Use Google's Advanced Search and learn more on their Help page.

You can find recommendations of credible / reliable websites for topics covered in Opposing Viewpoints. 

Example of the Browse Topics page from opposing viewpoints

When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it . . . but is it good information? You will have to determine that for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.            

Evaluation Criteria

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?

nAre the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

Authority: The source of the information.

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?

nDoes the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

9/17/10