When was it published, posted, or updated? It may be out-of-date regarding current issues or new technologies (BUT old ‘primary’ sources may be very useful for subjects like history.), Currency, Does the information relate directly to your topic? Please don’t assume that a text is relevant simply because its title appears similar to your essay topic, or because your Google search says that it is. Western sources may not apply to Hong Kong issues; a book titled ‘The Smartphone Bible’ may be too general for an essay on ‘smartphone addiction’., Relevance, Is the person who wrote it an expert on the topic? Some authors, bloggers and journalists can write passionately and persuasively about a topic, but they will not have the full understanding that a qualified specialist has. Generally, these experts’ writings will be chosen by good quality book publishers, journals, newspapers and web domains – so look for these too. AVOID sources that do not disclose the name of the person or organisation that wrote it, and simplistic sources with clickbait titles like: Pros & Cons of… Top 10… Reasons you MUST..., Authority, Why was it written? It may be written to inform you accurately and impartially, but may also be written to titillate, persuade or mislead you, getting you to support or buy a particular product, publication or organisation. BEWARE: some forms of bias are very cleverly hidden., Purpose

CRAP Test: Evaluating Sources

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