Gen/Basic Chem Lab

Media outlets will often seek out experts to comment on specific stories/findings to lend validity to reporting. Expert opinions help us by providing perspectives and examples we may not have considered on our own. However, it does not mean we can accept an expert opinion without knowing the background of the person providing the statement. This is especially true in the sciences where expert opinions are frequently translated to lay terminology. Lay terminology is wording used to replace technical and scientific jargon so the average person can understand the ideas being expressed. In conjunction with analogies, lay terminology assists experts in explaining scientific phenomenon. 

Evaluating information is a multifaceted process. It is easy to accept or dismiss information for a variety of reasons and we often find ourselves accepting information without evaluating the processes involved in creating information. The C.R.A.A.P. test is a series of questions you should ask when looking at print and online sources. By evaluating the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose of information reporting, you can make an informed conclusion whether to trust and use the information being shared. Ask yourselves the following questions:

Currency -  When was the information published? If the article or news story is older and still available online, has it been updated? Do the provided links still work?

Relevance - Is the information presented appropriately for the intended audience? How does the information bring value or new insight to your existing knowledge?

Authority - Who is the author or quoted expert? What are their credentials to write on the subject they are reporting on?

Accuracy - Where is the information coming from? Is the information being reported in a similar manner by other reputable news outlets?

Purpose - Why is the information being shared? Who is paying the authors to write the article? Pay attention to the mission and vision statements of the reporting news outlet. Most news outlets provide these statements and reputable sources will reference a level of journalistic integrity.

The C.R.A.A.P. test is commonly used to evaluate scholarly sources for individual research needs. It can also be valuable in determining the value of popular sources we are accustomed to interacting with due to their prevalence in society. It is helpful to start thinking and evaluating information sources using this method to prepare you for higher level research as well as make informed opinions beyond academia.