CRAAP Test
Use the following criteria to evaluate information resources for credibility.
Currency: the timeliness of the information
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Is the information current for your topic?
- Are the links functional?
Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs
- Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information at an appropriate level (e.g. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?
Authority: the source of the information
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- Are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given? If yes, what are they?
- What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
- Is there contact information, such as a phone number or email address?
- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (e.g. com, .edu, .gov, .org)
- Is there an About or About Us section?
Accuracy: the reliability and truthfulness of the information
- Where does the information come from?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Has the information been reviewed?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Does the language or tone seem objective or free of emotion?
- Are there obvious errors (spelling, grammar)?
Purpose: the reason the information exists
- What is the purpose of the information? To inform? Teach? Sell? Entertain? Persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, cultural, religious or personal biases?
