What are selection criteria? Basically, selection criteria are the many items that are considered when making a decision to include - or "select" - a given resource. Just like you use the CARP Test to see if a website seems fishy or good to use for your research, Mrs. Menges uses a rating scale for websites and databases. Websites and databases that score highly are recommended, while sites that score poorly will not be suggested for student use. All of the websites and databases listed on this Reference Resources site have scored highly according to one of the below rating scales.
Digital Resource Rating Scale for Websites and Web-based Databases
Websites scoring 5 points are considered highly recommended; websites scoring 0 points should be avoided. One full point is possible for each item below. 1 –Currency: Is the website current and regularly updated? All links should be active and lead to full articles. 1 –Authority: Is the website and all linked material published by a clear and credible source? A good indicator is the website address ending with .org, .edu, or .gov. 1 –Relevance: Does the website contain detailed information relevant to its stated purpose? If information is biased, is the bias noted? 1 –Organization: Is the website visually appealing and clearly organized, with high quality graphics and images? 1 –Audience: Is the website organized and written with consideration to the target age group?
Middle & Upper School: Don't forget your CARP Test
As members of the 21st Century, we must all be ethical users of information. Any time you find information online, you should evaluate both the source and the material. The source is the author or publisher of the work. the material is the information itself.
Remember that even though you have a list of suggested websites, you should still be thinking critically about everything that you read. As you conduct your research, keep in mind that you are selecting your resources as you go; sometimes you are using your own selection criteria from a list of websites that are pre-approved, and sometimes you will be on your own. Especially online, things can change overnight and a site that was once wonderful can become obsolete or inaccurate. No one - no person, publisher, or organization - is perfect. If something seems too good to be true, try to find another source to confirm your findings. As always, use the CARP test and if a website or resource seems "fishy," toss it back!
Currency
Is the information generally current and up-to-date?
Is information recent enough for your topic/field of research?
For primary sources, was the material published at the appropriate time?
Authority
Is the information written by an expert in the field?
Are their credentials provided?
Is there one author, several authors or a corporation or organization publishing information?
Is the author or organization a trustworthy source of information?
Are studies or trials peer-reviewed where applicable?
Reliability
Is this a primary or secondary source?
How much of the information applies to your topic?
Is the information general or detailed?
Is the information balanced or biased?
Purpose
Who is the intended audience?
Is information written to inform? Persuade? Sell? Entertain?
Does the author have a vested interest in the topic?
If present, is bias noted?
Created by Katie Menges May 2016 Heading image from Facsimile Finder's Book of Kells