Marine & Environmental Sciences Department Guide

There is a wealth of information on the internet available on most subjects, but the problem with this information is that you don't always know where it comes from or how reliable the source is.  It is important to be highly critical of sources found on the internet and to take time to evaluate them before deciding to use them in your assignments.  Try using the CRAAP Test to evaluate sources you find on the web, and if you have any doubts at all - ASK YOUR PROFESSOR before using the source in your paper!

If you are going to search Google, try using Google Scholar.  It will help eliminate some of the most questionable resources from your web search.  If you find something in Google Scholar and you cannot access it, please ask a librarian!  We'll be happy to help you find the resource available elsewhere. 

The CRAAP Test is an easy way to evaluate sources NOT found in an Academic Database.  Evaluate the resource using the questions below:

• C - Currency:  is the material current?
• R - Relevant:  is the material relevant to my topic?
• A - Authority: Who wrote/created this source?
• A - Accuracy: Where does this information come from?
• P - Purpose:  What is the purpose of this information (inform, pursuade, etc)?

Click here to see a brief PowerPoint on using the CRAAP Test.  We've also included a video from Western University on using the CRAAP Test below.

Here is a list of websites suggested for Marine  Biology & Environmental Science Topics.  These websites are maintaned by credible sources, but remember, even these may not work if your professor has asked specifically for scholarly/peer reviewed sources!