HSW 300: Programming, Promotion, Advocacy (Scovill)

Below is a selection of subject databases you can search individually.

In the sciences, a primary source is the original publication of new data, research or theories.  Examples include: experimental studies, clinical trials, opinion surveys

Typically, primary research articles are published in peer-reviewed journal articles with standardized sections, including

• Literature Review
• description of Methods
• tables of Data
• summary of Results or formal Conclusion.  

Browse a collection of health promotion journals that the UWSP Libraries has access to.

Backward Citation Tracking: Looking at an article's works cited list provides a snapshot of the research that was available at the time of publication and will provide you with a wealth of related sources.

Forward Citation Tracking: Looking to see if a source has been cited by others will help you determine its importance and will identify other, more current sources.  Look for "times cited" or "cited by" in tools such as Biological Abstracts and Google Scholar.

When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it . . . but is it good information? You will have to determine that for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.

Currency: the timeliness of the information

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
• Are the links functional?

Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs

• Does the information relate to your topic?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority: the source of the information

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• Are the author's credentials?  Affiliations?
• What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as publisher or email address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (examples: .com, .edu, .org, .net, .gov)

Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or other typographical errors?

Purpose: the reason the information exists

• What is the purpose of the information? To inform? Teach? Sell? Entertain? Persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Note: the CRAAP test was developed by librarians at CSU Chico.