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COM 145

A guide to Library resources for students in Communication 145

Evaluating Sources

The CRAAP test is a tried and true method for evaluating sources.  There are many others so make sure to follow your instructor's guidelines.  All source evaluation techniques require you to critically think about your source and its place in your paper.

Currency

-- When was the information created?
-- Does your topic require updated information?

Relevance

-- Does the information relate to your paper/project?
-- Is it written at an appropriate level? (not too advanced or elementary)

Authority

-- Is the author qualified to write on this subject?
-- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

Accuracy

-- Where does the information come from?
-- Is the information supported by legitimate sources?

Purpose

-- Why was the site created (advertising, share knowledge, entertainment)?
-- Do the authors make their intentions clear?

Integrating Sources

There are three main ways to integrate another person's work into your own.  As you write, it is important to use each method to make your writing interesting and readable. 

The three methods are:

  • Paraphrasing -- To paraphrase something means to put the source material into your own words.  Typically, the paraphrase will be shorter than the source material.

  • Summarizing -- When you need to use long passages, chapters, etc. of source material, you can rewrite the main ideas in much shorter form.  However, the ideas belong to the source material so they still need to be cited.

  • Quoting - Direct quotations means that you use the exact words employed by the authors in the original text.  Usually, you will only use a few phrases or a sentence or two.

Incorporating Sources in your writing - Help Guides

Academic Writing -- Help Guide

Annotated Bibliography

General College Success Help