Evaluating Sources Using the CRITIC Method

The CRITIC method is a step-by-step process that will help you to evaluate and select

credible sources based on the available facts. What follows are six important steps that

you need to consider when evaluating all information sources. No matter the source, be

a CRITIC!

1.        Claim

2.       Role of the Claimant

3.       Information Backing the Claim

4.       Testing

5.       Independent Verification

6.       Conclusion

CRITIC Acronym

Questions to Ask /My Analysis/Annotations

Claim

What is your source saying (ie. thesis statement)?

 Has the source presented the claim in a clear and reasonable manner?

Is there evidence of motivationally-biased language?

Role of the Claimant

Is the author of the information clearly identifiable? If so, can his/her credibility be established?  

Based on your prior examination of the Claim, is there any reason to suspect bias on the part of the author?

Information Backing the Claim

What information does the source present to back its claim?

Is it information that can be verified, or does this source rely on testimony or anecdotal evidence?

If this source presents original research, does the source explain how the author gathered their data?

If the source is an article does it cite references and are they credible?

Is the source peer- reviewed?

Testing  

How might you test the claims being made?

 Independent Verification

Do other sources support the claim/thesis?

(Complete with additional resources)

Does it agree with your other sources?

(Complete with additional resources)

Does it contradict your other sources?

(Complete with additional resources)

Conclusion

What is your conclusion about the source? Taking into account the first five CRITIC steps, make a

judgment:

Should this source be used in a paper or report?