What is Source Credibility?

In this lesson, you will learn how to assess whether information found online is trustworthy. Source credibility involves determining if the information originates from a reliable and dependable source. This process is similar to verifying whether a statement from a friend is truthful or fabricated.

It is essential to understand source credibility because the internet contains a vast amount of information, not all of which is accurate or reliable. Relying on untrustworthy sources may result in accepting incorrect facts, making poor decisions, or unintentionally spreading misinformation. By developing skills to evaluate sources effectively, you will enhance your abilities as a responsible digital citizen.

To further illustrate, consider the following key points:

• Credible sources provide evidence-based information.
• Unreliable sources may contain biases, errors, or outdated details.
• Evaluating sources helps in academic work, personal research, and everyday decision-making.

Introduction to the CRAAP Test

In this step, you will explore a structured method known as the CRAAP Test, which is designed to assist in evaluating the credibility of online sources. The acronym CRAAP represents five key criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. By applying these criteria systematically, you can determine whether a source is reliable and suitable for your research needs.

Understanding and using the CRAAP Test is an essential skill for navigating the vast amount of information available on the internet. It enables you to distinguish between trustworthy content and potentially misleading material. Below is a detailed explanation of each criterion, accompanied by examples to illustrate their application.

• Currency: This criterion assesses the timeliness of the information. Ask yourself: When was the content published or last updated? Is the information current enough for your topic? For instance, an article on technological advancements published in 2023 would be more relevant than one from 2010, as technology evolves rapidly.
• Relevance: Here, evaluate whether the information aligns with your specific research question or topic. Consider: Does the content directly address your needs, and is it appropriate for your audience? An example would be If you're researching how social media influences teenagers’ communication habits, a study on teen usage of Instagram and TikTok would be more relevant than a general article on the history of social media. Focus on sources that speak directly to your topic and audience.
• Authority: This involves examining the credentials of the author or organisation responsible for the content. Questions to ask include: Who is the author? Do they have expertise or qualifications in the subject area? A website maintained by a university professor with relevant academic credentials is generally more authoritative than an anonymous personal blog.
• Accuracy: Assess the reliability and truthfulness of the information. Verify: Is the content supported by evidence, such as citations or references? Can the facts be corroborated through other sources? For example, a source that includes verifiable data from scientific studies is more accurate than one relying solely on unsubstantiated claims.
• Purpose: Determine the intent behind the creation of the content. Reflect on: Why was this information produced? Is it to inform, educate, entertain, persuade, or sell a product? A government website providing factual data aims to inform, whereas an advertisement may seek to persuade you to make a purchase.

Evaluating Sources Using the CRAAP Test

In this activity, you'll practise evaluating the credibility of information using the CRAAP Test — a method used to assess the quality of a source based on five key criteria. The topic for this exercise is 'The Benefits of Exercise for Teens'. You will compare two different sources and rate them based on the CRAAP criteria.

CRAAP stands for:

• Currency: Is the information up to date?
• Relevance: Does it match your topic and needs?
• Authority: Who created it? Are they credible or qualified?
• Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence or references?
• Purpose: Why was this information written or shared?

Sources to Evaluate:

• Source 1 – Blog Post: 'Why Exercise is Awesome!' – A personal blog written by someone named FitnessFan123. No qualifications are listed. The post was published in 2015 and includes mostly personal opinions without links to evidence.
• Source 2 – News Article: 'Study Shows Exercise Boosts Teen Health' – A BBC News article written by a health journalist in 2023. The article references scientific studies and expert interviews.

Use the table below to rate each source on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) for every CRAAP criterion. You can copy this table into your notebook or recreate a digital version:

Identifying Indicators of Unreliable Sources

When evaluating online information, it is important to look for certain warning signs, often referred to as 'red flags'. These indicators suggest that a source may not be trustworthy or reliable. Recognising these red flags can help you avoid misinformation and make better decisions about the content you use or share.

Below is a list of common red flags to watch for, along with explanations of why they are problematic:

• Emotional or sensational language: Words like 'shocking', 'outrageous', or 'unbelievable' are designed to provoke strong emotions rather than provide factual information. This can indicate bias or an attempt to manipulate the reader.
• No named author or anonymous posting: If the creator of the content is not identified, or uses a pseudonym like 'Anon', it is difficult to assess their expertise or credibility.
• Spelling and grammar errors: Frequent mistakes in spelling, punctuation, or grammar often suggest a lack of professionalism and care in producing the content, which may extend to the accuracy of the facts presented.
• Outdated information: Content that has not been updated for many years may contain facts that are no longer accurate, especially in fast-changing fields like science or technology.
• Lack of evidence or sources: Reliable information should include references to supporting data, studies, or other credible materials. Without these, the claims may be unsubstantiated.

To practise identifying these red flags, consider the following short article snippets:

"BREAKING: Scientists say eating nothing but bananas can make you 10x smarter! Click now to unlock the truth!!"

"Posted by DailyNutritionTips2021 – Did you know that drinking only water for a week can cure all illnesses? It's a hidden secret that doctors don't want you to know!"

"According to my cousin, who works in tech, smartphones are spying on us through our toasters. Stay alert!"

"A viral TikTok trend reveals a ‘miracle hack’ to make your phone charge in 5 seconds—no charger needed!"

"An anonymous forum user claims that a top-secret government program is turning students into AI hybrids through school Wi-Fi."

Distinguishing Real from Fake Headlines

In this step, you will practise evaluating the credibility of news headlines by determining whether they are real or fake. This exercise builds on the CRAAP Test and the red flags you have learned about earlier in the lesson. Headlines can sometimes be sensational or misleading to attract attention, so it is important to assess them critically using criteria such as authority, accuracy, and purpose. By doing this, you will improve your ability to identify trustworthy information online.

Below is a list of five headlines. Some are based on real events or reports from credible sources, while others are fabricated or exaggerated. For each one, consider factors like whether the claim seems outrageous, if it comes from a reputable organisation, or if it uses emotional language that might indicate bias or unreliability.

1. 'Aliens Land in Dublin!'
2. 'New Report Says Students Benefit from Walking to School.'
3. 'Chocolate Cures All Illnesses, Says Expert.'
4. 'Ireland Wins Eurovision Again.'
5. 'Smartphones Cause Superpowers.'