Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Information Seeking Compass

Guide to help with your information searching

1. Start your information seeking process

illustration: 1 Start your information seeking process

Think about:

  • What are you doing?    
  • What is your topic?
  • What kind of information and what amount do you need? 
  • What do you know already about the topic?

Types of information

Information sources contain information for different needs: 

  • Everyday life information
  • Professional information
  • Official / governmental information
  • Research information

Next step: Evaluate information and think about source criticism!

ideaa

Use source criticism!

Note that there are many types of information providers with various intentions:

  • societes
  • research institutes
  • organisations
  • private persons

How to assess the reliability of the information producer?
CRAAP test can help you.
Also see the video: Evaluating information and source criticism

Assessment

Assessment belongs to every stage of the process. This figure reminds of assessment and evaluation in the different situations.

kompassineula, jossa numerointi 1-8

Assess your information need

  • How much information do you need?
  • How deep information do you need?
  • How fresh information do you need?
  • Who produces information about your topic?