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English 201A: English Composition (Patchell): Evaluating Sources

Course guide for Thomas Patchell's ENGL 201A class, which focuses on the BOTY assignment.

Evaluating Information Sources

When looking for information, you need to evaluate your sources carefully
This is especially true if you are doing an Internet search
By searching Cuesta Library Search, you automatically limit your results to quality sources

Note: If your instructor wants "peer-reviewed" articles, check off the "peer-reviewed" checkbox in Cuesta Library Search

CRAAP Test

Not sure if an information source is reliable? Try the CRAAP Test! Review your source for:

Currency
Relevance
Authority
Accuracy
Purpose

CRAAP Test
Check out CSU Chico's more detailed version of the CRAAP Test.

Navigating the Web

Video on Evaluating Information Sources

Google Scholar

Look for articles that have PDF or HTML links on the right. These are usually free, full-text articles.