The Internet can be a wonderful source of original or primary sources. When you are searching the web, determine if it is a credible source by critically applying the CAPOW criteria below:
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Currency
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- What is the publication date or last date updated?
- Is the content timely, useful, and valid for your information need?
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Authorship
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- Who wrote the content?
- What makes that individual author or organization qualified to write it? What other information about the author is included?
- Who sponsored the content?
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Purpose
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- Is the purpose of the content to inform, to entertain, or to promote a product or service?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Does the information seem credible? If so, can you check the information against another resource (i.e. book, journal article, newspaper, etc.) for credibility?
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Objectivity
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- Is content biased?
- Are opinions balanced or does the author have an agenda?
- How does the bias influence the information?
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Writing Style
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- Does the information contain a bibliography, references, or a comprehensive list of sources supporting its theme, topic, or agenda?
- Is content presented at an appropriate level for an academic research paper?
- Does the supporting information fit your research need?
- Is the work complete, or is it a summary of other work?
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