The CRAAP Test helps you evaluate sources to determine whether or not they are appropriate for an academic assignment.
|
|
CURRENCY
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
- If you're using a web source, are the links functional?
|
|
|
RELEVANCE
- Does the information relate to the topic or answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information at an appropriate level (not to elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining which ones to use?
|
|
|
AUTHORITY
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- What are the authors' credentials or organizational affiliations?
- Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
- Is contact information available, such as a publisher or email address?
- If a web source, does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (.org, .edu, .gov)
|
|
|
ACCURACY
- Where does the information come from?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or topological errors?
|
|
|
PURPOSE
- What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Is the information fact, opinion, or propoganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, religious, ideological, cultural, institutional, or personal biases?
|
ADAPTED FROM:
"Evaluating Information-Applying the CRAAP Test." Meriam Library, California State University, Chico
https://library.csuchico.edu/sites/default/files/craap-test.pdf
