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It's A TRAP!

3. R is for Relevance

R is for Relevance

Table with four columns and five rows. Top rows read: T, R, A, and P. Each row beneath each letter shows a question mark. The R column is circled.

R stands for Relevance. It helps you remember to evaluate the "how" of an information source. 

Watch the R is for Relevance video to:

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

Using the TRAP method

Now, let's keep using the step-by-step TRAP method. We already went through T.

The second step in the checklist is to evaluate a source's relevance—R. You ask these questions to check a source's relevance: 

  1. Does this discuss at least part of my topic?
  2. Does this allow me to build on the topic?
  3. Does this provide a point I can disprove?
  4. Is my topic still important in the field?

 

Stop and Think

 Will checking your source's relevance help you get a better grade on this assignment, or an upcoming assignment?

Librarian Tip

 Before you read an entire scholarly source that was written by experts, look for a summary. It will tell you what the source is about and why it was made. Where is the summary? It depends on the source. First, try looking for a section of your source called "abstract", "introduction", or "discussion." If you can't find it, skim through the entire source to find out if it is relevant, and it will help you develop your topic.

Last Updated: Sep 7, 2023 5:13 PM
URL: https://library.brockport.edu/TRAP