RADAR
Fortunately there’s a simple acronym that can be used as a tool for evaluating information. In the same way that a ship captain uses radar to navigate the open waters, researchers can use RADAR to navigate the oceans of information on the web. Each letter in the word represents a criteria by which to measure the reliability of sources.
Rationale – Why is this information being made available? (answers WHY?)
Authority – Who is the author(s) or the work and what are the person’s credentials? (answers WHO?)
Date – Is the information current? Does your research require timely sources? (answers WHEN?)
Accuracy – Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published? (answers WHERE?)
Relevance – Does the information answer your research question? (answers WHAT?)
