Pensacola: Finding and Evaluating Resources

A peer-reviewed article, otherwise known as a scholarly article, can be found in print or online journals. A peer-reviewed journal goes through an extensive process where experts (peers) in the relevent field examine the author's work, research, or ideas. This process is essential for maintaining the academic and scientific quality. 

Peer-reviewed journals are preferred because they are considered the most accurate and reliable sources for college-level work. Using peer-reviewed journals is also a good way to learn how experts conduct research and share their findings. Knowing this process helps you become a critical thinker and acquire professional expertise.

By Author: Authors contributing scholarly articles typically possess expertise in the field of study they are discussing. Their credentials are commonly listed alongside their affiliation with academic institutions, often as university faculty members. 

By Audience: Authors of scholarly articles write papers for scholars, researchers, and students, assuming a certain level of expertise among their readers. Specialized terminology tailored to the specific field of student will be used in their writing.

By References: Scholarly authors are required to include previous research in their articles, providing both in-text citations and comprehensive list of references at the end of their paper. All scholarly articles contain a works cited section, often labeled "References" or "Bibliography."

By Abstract: Scholarly articles typically feature an abstract, which is a brief paragraph by the author summarizing the content of the paper.

By Graphics: Scholarly articles frequently incorporate graphs, charts, and tables to enhance the presentation of data and analysis.

Information Literacy is the ability to:

• Determine the extent of information needed
• Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
• Evaluate information and its sources critically
• Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
• Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally

source: Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education

What is the C.R.A.A.P. Test? 

It is a way to evauate any type of information. The accronym stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. This method was originally created by Sarah Blakeslee of UC-Chico's Meriam Library.  

Currency

• What is the publication date?
• Does the source include recent information?
• Are the references or sources provided current?
• Does currency matter for the topic? Why or why not?

Relevance

• How does it relate to your topic?
• Who is the intended audience of the resource?
• What aspects of your research are answered by this source?

Authority

• Who is the author/publisher/organization/sponsor?
• What are the author's credentials/qualifications?
• Has the author published on this topic before?

Accuracy

• Is the information suported by evidence?
• Has it been reviewed/refereed (scholarly article)?
• Are there spelling or grammar errors?

Purpose

• What is the purpose of the information (educational or informative)?
• Is the information factual or an opinion?
• How does this source compare to other literature?