P is for Purpose

P stands for Purpose. It helps you remember to evaluate the "why" of an information source. 

Watch the P is for Purpose video to:

• learn about the purpose of sources
• know what questions to ask when you are evaluating the purpose of a source

Using the TRAP Method

Let's continue. We've done T, R, and A. Next, we evaluate a source's purpose—P. This is the last step in the TRAP method.

You can ask these questions to check a source's purpose: 

1. Is the source peer-reviewed?
2. What is the purpose?
3. Is the purpose stated clearly?
4. Who is the intended audience?

Stop and Think

 Is it ever a good idea to use a source of information created by a biased author?

Librarian Tip

 Luckily, when you are looking at a scholarly article, it is easy to figure out its purpose! Remember, if the source says it is peer-reviewed, multiple experts have had a chance to read and correct the information.