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 | 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.
Luckily, there are many tools to help you assess any piece of information which will help you avoid the common pitfalls e.g. the CRAAP test (designed by the Meriam Library California State University, Chico and used worldwide). Ask yourself the list of questions from the CRAAP test below. It can be applied to any resource, but most useful for evaluating websites.
Why do you trust it?
We are in an age when we can't trust all the information that is available online or in popular media.
We ensure that the resources we provide are all high quality, academic and evidence-based.
But it can be tricky working out what resources to use, in particular websites
Try these games to help you understand the difference between fact and fiction!
| Bad News | Fake Out |
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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! |
Your social media feed has been infected by false information. Your job is to learn the skills of verification, so you can sort fact from fiction - in the game, and in real life |