Women and Gender Studies

T.A.P. Test:  Timeliness, Authority and Purpose

Timeliness or currency

               Is the resource dated?

Example:  http://geosim.cs.vt.edu/

Authority

               Who wrote it?  What are their credentials

               What is the quality of the writing?

Example:  http://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/saltwater-science/saving_the_swimming_dead

Purpose or Objectivity

               Is there an ulterior motive?

               Is it educational in nature?

               Is there a lot of advertising?

Example:  http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/pages/india-farmer-suicides.aspx

Other criteria to consider:

• Relevance or coverage
• Accuracy