Ecological Restoration: Getting Started

Unlike library resources that have been chosen carefully, information on the web or in social media can be created by anyone, and as such they should always be evaluated carefully. Use the CRAAP test as a guide to evaluating sources:

• Currency:
  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated? Are the links functional?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
• Relevance:
  • 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 besides this one?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?
• Authority:
  • 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?
  • Does 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:
  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • 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?

Google Scholar can also search through BCIT Library's full text journals and magazines.

Just log-on to Google, and go to Google Scholar.

In the Settings menu -> Library Links window, Search for BCIT.  

Check the boxes for 'BCIT - Find @ BCIT', and 'British Columbia Institute of Technology'

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