FAQ: What is CCOW?

CCOW Overview

CCOW is an acronym for Credentials, Claims, Objectives, and Worldview. This evaluation method is designed to actively guide you in investigating and thoroughly assessing the credibility of information.

Credentials:

The first step is to investigate the credentials of the information's creator. Consider:

• Author's Experience: Do they have relevant experience or advanced degrees in the field?
• Publishing Organization: Is it a university, non-profit, or advocacy group? Their purpose can influence the content.

Begin by researching the author and publisher online to learn about their background and assess their qualifications on the topic.

Claims:

The next step is to investigate the claims being made. Consider the following:

• Accuracy: Is the information accurate and reliable?
• Currency: Is it up to date?
• Citations: Are there bibliographies or links that support the claims? Credible researchers provide sources for their arguments.

Always verify that these sources are reliable. Examine multiple viewpoints on the topic to determine if the claims are well-supported or questionable. When evaluating a claim, ask yourself: What evidence is provided, and how does it compare with other sources?

Objectives:

The next step is to investigate the purpose of the source. Consider what the creators hoped to accomplish: Was the information meant to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something?

Understanding the purpose helps you identify potential biases or hidden agendas. Ask yourself why this information was created and how that might impact its trustworthiness.

Worldview:

The last step in the CCOW evaluation method is understanding the source's perspective. Everyone has a worldview that shapes their interpretation of information. Recognizing this helps you see why others might view things differently, without assuming they are wrong.

To effectively investigate information, you must also examine your own reactions and worldview. When you feel strongly about something, ask yourself: Is my response based on the information's quality or my own biases? When you read a source, take a moment to identify its worldview and consider how your own beliefs might shape your interpretation.

More Information:

• CCOW Infographic This link opens in a new window
• Evaluating Sources with CCOW Video This link opens in a new window
• Evaluating Sources Guide

The CCOW information presented has been adapted from the original work This link opens in a new window by Anthony Tardiff from Foley Library at Gonzaga University with a CC BY 4.0 This link opens in a new window license.