This assignment will help you build skills in finding and evaluating resources. These are essential tasks to master for whenever you need information for your day-to-day life, school, or in the workplace. We start with the internet, a source of information you are already familiar with. You will evaluate a provided website and apply the CRAAP Test. From the internet, we move to a source of information you will want to learn how to use effectively—the Capella University LibraryLinks to an external site.. You will be asked to locate a specific article and share some of what you find. As you complete this exercise, reflect on the difference between internet and library sources. Can you guess which ones your instructors will prefer you to use?
Assignment Instructions
Download and review the CRAAP Test and Library Worksheet [DOCX].
To complete the CRAAP Test portion of this assignment, go to the Credibility of Information page of the companion HELP site located in your Reading List. Review the internet articles listed and select one article to evaluate using the CRAAP Test. Record the name of the article on the CRAAP Test worksheet and then begin your evaluation.
Use the questions on the CRAAP Test to evaluate the internet article and score each category—Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Add up your scores to determine the article’s total score. The assignment worksheet provides a rating and guidance with how acceptable the source is for your use.
After evaluating the internet article using the CRAAP Test, move to the second section of the worksheet to explore a different type of resource. Locate the article (using the minimal information provided) from the Capella University LibraryLinks to an external site. using Summon and respond to the questions using complete sentences. Note: Detailed guidance on locating a journal article using keywords is provided in the Keyword Search in Summon video. Complete the following:
- Develop the skills of paraphrasing and summarizing to represent the purpose of an external source.
- Describe scientific research findings of a psychological article.
- Assess personal time management plan for this assignment.
- Did the time to complete this assignment take less time, more time, or about what you expected to complete?
- What future changes can you make based on your first assignment’s time management planning?
- Communicate using a well-organized paragraph with a clear main idea. Integrate appropriate use of scholarly sources, evidence, and citation style.
Refer to the rubric to ensure that your work meets the grading criteria for this assignment.
Submission Requirements
Save the completed CRAAP Test and Library Worksheet as a Word document (.doc or .docx) on your computer. Then, attach a copy of this document as your assignment submission.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Apply information literacy skills.
- Assess the credibility of an online source of information.
- Locate correct journal article in library search when provided with minimal search information.
- Competency 2: Explain foundational psychological principles in psychology.
- Describe scientific research findings.
- Competency 3: Describe the role of critical thinking in the field of psychology.
- Describe the purpose of a specific psychology article.
- Competency 4: Apply self-regulation skills to online learning.
- Revise time management plan.
- Competency 6: Use effective oral or written communication skills.
- Communicate using a well-organized paragraph with a clear main idea.
- Attempt citations.
Introduction
The ability to evaluate information critically is an important skill in both academic and professional settings. Students, researchers, and professionals constantly interact with information from websites, articles, journals, databases, and media platforms. However, not every source provides accurate or trustworthy information. Some online materials may contain bias, outdated facts, or unsupported claims that can negatively influence decision making and academic research. For this reason, students must develop information literacy skills that help them determine whether a source is credible and appropriate for scholarly use (Creswell & Creswell, 2023).
One useful method for evaluating online information is the CRAAP Test, which measures a source’s Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. This evaluation tool encourages critical thinking by helping individuals analyze the reliability and quality of information before using it in research or professional work. In addition to internet research, academic institutions encourage students to use scholarly databases such as the Capella University Library because peer reviewed journal articles generally provide stronger evidence and greater academic reliability.
This assignment involved evaluating an online article using the CRAAP Test and locating a psychology related scholarly article through the university library database. The experience demonstrated important differences between general internet resources and peer reviewed academic research while also strengthening research, time management, and critical thinking skills.
CRAAP Test Evaluation
The internet article selected for evaluation focused on mental health and stress management strategies. The article discussed the effects of stress on emotional wellbeing and provided recommendations for coping with anxiety and daily pressure. Applying the CRAAP Test allowed a detailed evaluation of the source’s reliability and academic usefulness.
The first CRAAP category evaluated was Currency. The article had been published recently, within the last two years, which made the information relatively current and appropriate for discussions involving psychology and mental health. Since psychological research changes frequently as new evidence becomes available, current information is important to ensure accuracy and relevance. The website also appeared regularly updated, which strengthened the credibility of the source.
The second category examined was Relevance. The article directly related to psychological wellbeing and emotional health, making it relevant to psychology students and individuals interested in stress management. The information was written clearly and designed for a broad audience rather than researchers or healthcare professionals. Although the article was informative and understandable, it lacked the depth and scientific detail expected in scholarly academic research.
Authority was another important category within the CRAAP Test. The article was written by a licensed mental health counselor whose qualifications and professional background were clearly identified on the website. The site itself focused on health and wellness topics and appeared professionally maintained. This increased confidence in the source because qualified individuals contributed to the information presented. However, the article was not peer reviewed, which limited its authority compared to scholarly journal publications.
Accuracy was evaluated by examining whether the information was supported by evidence and factual consistency. The article referenced several psychological concepts and included supporting examples related to stress and coping strategies. However, some statements lacked formal citations or references to scientific studies. While the information appeared generally accurate and educational, the absence of extensive research evidence reduced the article’s academic reliability.
The final category analyzed was Purpose. The article’s primary purpose was educational because it aimed to inform readers about mental health awareness and stress management. The tone was supportive and informative rather than persuasive or political. Although the website advertised additional counseling resources and wellness services, there was no evidence of extreme bias or misleading intentions.
Overall, the CRAAP Test evaluation indicated that the internet article was moderately credible and useful for general educational purposes. However, the source would be more appropriate as supplementary information rather than a primary scholarly reference in academic psychology research.
Library Research and Scholarly Article Analysis
The second portion of the assignment involved locating a psychology article through the Capella University Library using the Summon search tool. Searching the library database required the use of specific keywords related to stress, psychology, coping behaviors, and mental health. Compared to a standard internet search, the library database provided access to scholarly and peer reviewed research articles that contained detailed scientific evidence and professional analysis.
The selected scholarly article explored the relationship between stress management techniques and psychological wellbeing among college students. The purpose of the study was to examine how different coping strategies influence emotional health, anxiety levels, and academic performance. The researchers aimed to determine which coping behaviors were associated with positive psychological outcomes and greater emotional resilience.
One major research finding presented in the article was that students who practiced healthy coping techniques such as exercise, social support, and effective time management experienced lower levels of stress and anxiety. Students who used unhealthy coping strategies, including avoidance or substance use, reported poorer emotional wellbeing and higher psychological distress. The researchers concluded that mental health education and support programs can significantly improve emotional resilience among students.
The scholarly article demonstrated several characteristics that distinguished it from the internet source evaluated through the CRAAP Test. First, the article included detailed research methods, statistical analysis, literature reviews, and citations from previous studies. Second, the article had undergone peer review, meaning experts in psychology evaluated the research before publication. Finally, the article presented evidence based findings supported by scientific methodology rather than general opinions or simplified explanations.
This experience highlighted the importance of scholarly databases for academic research. While internet articles can provide useful background information, peer reviewed journal articles offer greater depth, scientific reliability, and evidence based analysis. Using scholarly resources strengthens academic writing and supports critical thinking because the information is carefully researched and professionally evaluated.
Reflection on Time Management
Completing this assignment required effective organization and time management because multiple research tasks had to be completed carefully. Initially, the assignment took more time than expected because navigating the library database and locating the correct scholarly article required patience and practice. Using keywords effectively and filtering search results were important skills that improved throughout the assignment process.
The CRAAP Test portion was relatively manageable because the evaluation categories provided a structured framework for analyzing the internet source. However, reading and understanding the scholarly journal article required more concentration because academic research articles include scientific terminology, research methods, and statistical findings that require careful interpretation.
One important lesson learned from this assignment is the importance of beginning research tasks early and dividing assignments into smaller sections. In the future, creating a schedule for research, reading, writing, and proofreading would improve productivity and reduce stress. Allocating additional time for reviewing scholarly articles would also strengthen understanding and improve overall academic performance.
The assignment demonstrated that effective time management is closely connected to academic success. Research assignments often require more time than expected because locating credible sources and understanding scholarly information can be complex. Developing stronger planning and organizational skills will support future academic and professional responsibilities.
Importance of Information Literacy
Information literacy plays a critical role in psychology because psychological knowledge influences healthcare, education, counseling, and public policy. Students and professionals must be able to identify reliable information sources to avoid spreading misinformation or making decisions based on inaccurate evidence. The CRAAP Test provides a practical strategy for evaluating online information critically by encouraging individuals to examine credibility, evidence, and potential bias.
Academic databases also support information literacy by providing access to peer reviewed research and evidence based findings. Learning how to use scholarly databases effectively strengthens research quality and encourages critical analysis of psychological information. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for responsible professional practice and informed decision making in everyday life.
Developing strong information literacy skills encourages lifelong learning and promotes the ability to evaluate information independently. In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly online, the ability to distinguish credible evidence from unreliable content is increasingly important.
Conclusion
This assignment provided valuable experience in evaluating information sources using the CRAAP Test and conducting scholarly research through the Capella University Library. The CRAAP Test demonstrated how online information can be assessed based on currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose to determine reliability and academic usefulness. While the internet article provided general educational information about stress and mental health, the scholarly journal article offered stronger evidence through peer reviewed scientific research.
The assignment also strengthened critical thinking, research, and time management skills. Using scholarly databases improved understanding of evidence based psychology research and highlighted the importance of academic sources in higher education. Overall, the experience emphasized the value of information literacy and the importance of evaluating sources carefully before using them in academic or professional work.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Myers, D. G., & DeWall, C. N. (2022). Psychology. Worth Publishers.
Potter, W. J. (2022). Introduction to media literacy. Sage Publications.
Capella University Library. Summon database resources.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|