It's important to evaluate if any source of information is suitable for academic purposes. This includes books, journal articles and websites. Always check that the information is evidence-based. This means that the information is well-researched, reliable and trustworthy.
Once you have searched for books, journal articles and/or websites, it's important to evaluate these sources of information to make sure they fit your academic purposes. Always check that the information is evidence-based e.g. solid and reliable research, not opinion.
| Can use | Don't use |
| Scottish Government | NHS Inform |
| World Health Organisation. | Charity websites |
| Policies/Guidelines | Social media feeds |
| RCN, NMC, SIGN, NICE |
look at language- if YOU, YOUR is used then aimed at patients not health professionals |
Remember if you're not sure of the credibility, don't use it for academic purposes.
There are several tools that can help you with working out the reliability of resources. For checking websites, try the CRAAP test (designed by the Meriam Library California State University):
Ask yourself the list of questions from the CRAAP test below. It can be applied to any resource, but most useful for evaluating websites.
Currency |
☐ Is the publication or update date clearly listed? ☐ Is the information recent enough for your topic? ☐ Are links and references still active and relevant? |
Relevance |
☐ Does the source directly relate to your research question or topic? ☐ Is the information at an appropriate level (not too basic or advanced)? ☐ Who is the intended audience (academic, general public, etc.)? ☐ Would you be comfortable citing this source in your work? |
Authority |
☐ Who is the author, publisher, or organization? ☐ Are their credentials or affiliations provided? ☐ Is the domain trustworthy? (e.g., .edu, .gov, .org) ☐ Is there a way to contact the author or organization? |
Accuracy |
☐ Is the information supported by evidence or references? ☐ Are there spelling, grammar, or factual errors? ☐ Can you verify the information from other reliable sources? ☐ Is the tone objective and balanced? |
Purpose |
☐ What is the purpose of the source? (Inform, persuade, sell, entertain?) ☐ Is there any obvious bias or agenda? ☐ Are advertisements or sponsored content influencing the message? ☐ Is the content fact-based or opinion-based? |
We are in an age when we can't trust all the information that is available online or in popular media.
In Bad News, you take on the role of fake news-monger. Drop all pretence of ethics and choose a path that builds your persona as an unscrupulous media magnate. But keep an eye on your ‘followers’ and ‘credibility’ meters. Your task is to get as many followers as you can while slowly building up fake credibility as a news site. But watch out: you lose if you tell obvious lies or disappoint your supporters!