CARS Research Evaluation

If you're pulling your research from the internet (as opposed to the library's databases), complete a CARS evaluation for each site used.  Write or type the evidence proving your site meets the criteria listed in each category below.  If little of the information is available, this is a pretty good indication the site should not be used.

Attach a CARS analysis to your paper (after the works cited page) for each internet site you use.

 

CREDIBILITY

trustworthy source, author’s credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support. Goal: an authoritative source, a source that supplies some good evidence that allows you to trust it.

 

ACCURACY

up to date, factual, detailed, exact, comprehensive, audience and purpose reflect intentions of completeness and accuracy. Goal: a source that is correct today (not yesterday), a source that gives the whole truth.

 

REASONABLENESS

fair, balanced, objective, reasoned, no conflict of interest, absence of fallacies or slanted tone. Goal: a source that engages the subject thoughtfully and reasonably, concerned with the truth.

 

SUPPORT

listed sources, contact information, available corroboration, claims supported, documentation supplied. Goal: a source that provides convincing evidence for the claims made, a source you can triangulate (find at least two other sources that support it).