CRAAP test
More sources
For additional tips, see:
Legitimacy
The top-level domain part of a web site's address can tell a lot about the legitimacy of the site
.edu - linked to an educational institution (though this domain can host personal web pages as well.)
.org - non-profit organizations or associations
.gov - a governmental department or agency, or government officials
.com - a commercial site, online service, or a for-profit organization
.mil - U.S. military organizations
.int- international organizations
.net - networking organizations
Look for citations, or some form of verification for the information presented on a web site.
The name and address of an author of a web site is reassuring, though this does not necessarily guarantee authority or legitimacy.
AI Evaluation checklist
Accuracy and source Check
❏ Verify all facts, statistics, and data points with multiple reputable sources (academic journals, government publications, respected news organizations); don’t rely on a single source
❏ If the AI cites sources, check those sources directly; if the AI cannot cite a source, disregard the information
❏ Watch for outdated information; confirm the publication date of source materials
❏ Try the same prompts in multiple AI tools and traditional search engines and compare the results
Bias Check
❏ Ensure the content presents multiple perspectives and does not omit certain viewpoints or promote stereotypes
❏ Check original sources to see if they favor a specific viewpoint, ideology or group
❏ Use critical thinking to evaluate information that seems slanted to serve business, government or advocacy interests, or influence buying decisions
Logical consistency check
❏ Ensure the arguments being presented flow logically and make sense
❏ Watch for broad generalizations from limited evidence
❏ Look carefully for contradictions or misleading jumps in reasoning
❏ Assess the depth of reasoning and avoid simplistic analysis
Emotional and manipulative language check
❏ Look for content that uses neutral, fact-based language; be wary of language that is overly dramatic or inflammatory
❏ Watch for loaded words designed to provoke emotions (fear, anger, excitement) or influence opinions or actions