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Evaluating Information: CRAAP Test

Evaluating Information - CRAAP Test

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?

Survey!