Your assignment is about digital literacy and the importance of finding accurate information online. First, we need to be aware of confirmation bias, and how that influences our information-seeking behavior. We tend to believe articles that support our own beliefs or biases and disregard those that challenge those beliefs. It is important to challenge yourself and keep an open mind when seeking information on your topic.
How do we find accurate information? The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help determine if the information you find is good quality. The questions are listed below for your consideration. The best sources to use are peer-reviewed or scholarly journals from our database collections. The recommended databases are listed below. Peer-reviewed journals depend on a panel of experts in the field to approve research articles.
However, keep in mind that we do have what is called "predatory journals" that produce bad or erroneous research and information. Most of these journals are freely available on the internet. You can use Google Scholar to find sources that are linked to our databases. You need to set up your Google Scholar preferences and select RIT Libraries from the library links.
If you would like to view streaming videos that portray mental illness (some erroneously), check out our streaming video databases below. We also have DVDs which you can view in the library. Use the RIT Libraries Catalog to find DVDs if the title you are looking for is not available using our streaming video databases. Use the title search for best results. If unable to find the title, check out this Just Watch for pay per view options which is reasonably priced.
Currency: The timeliness of the information.
When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Is the information current or too out-of-date for my topic?
Are all the links functional or are there dead links?*
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
Does the information relate to my topic or answer my question?
Who is the intended audience?
Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too simple or advanced) for my needs?
Did I look at a variety of sources before deciding to use this one?
Would I be comfortable using this source for my college research paper?
Authority: The source of the information.
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail 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 information.
Where does the information come from?
Is the information supported by evidence?
Has the information been reviewed by anyone else?
Can I verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
Does the language or tone seem biased? Or is it free of emotion?
Are there spelling, grammar, typographical, or other errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
You need to set up your Google Scholar preferences and select RIT Libraries from the library links
Use of RIT resources is reserved for current RIT students, faculty
and staff for academic and teaching purposes only.
Please contact your librarian with any questions.
