Research: Evaluate the Credibility of a Source

Overview

The CRAAP Test is a method for evaluating the credibility and quality of information sources. By considering Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose, you can determine whether a source is appropriate for research assignments and academic work.

Prerequisites

To complete this task, you'll need:

  • A source you want to evaluate (such as a website, article, book, or video).
  • A research topic or assignment.
  • Access to the source's publication information, if available.

Before You Begin

Keep the following in mind before evaluating a source:

  • No single factor determines whether a source is credible.
  • Consider each part of the CRAAP Test before deciding whether to use a source.
  • Compare information across multiple sources whenever possible.
💡 Tip: A source may be appropriate for one assignment but not another. Always consider your instructor's requirements and the purpose of your research.
Letter Evaluation Area
C Currency
R Relevance
A Authority
A Accuracy
P Purpose

Instructions

Evaluate Currency

Determine whether the information is current enough for your research.

Consider the following:

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or are older sources acceptable?
  • Are the links working and up to date?

Evaluate Relevance

Determine whether the source meets your research needs.

Consider the following:

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your research question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information appropriate for your academic level?
  • Have you compared this source with other sources?
  • Would you feel comfortable citing this source in your paper?

Evaluate Authority

Determine whether the author or organization is qualified.

Consider the following:

  • Who created or published the information?
  • What are the author's qualifications or affiliations?
  • Is the author considered knowledgeable about the topic?
  • Is contact information available?
  • Does the website address (.edu, .gov, .org, etc.) provide clues about the source?

Evaluate Accuracy

Determine whether the information is reliable.

Consider the following:

  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Are sources or references provided?
  • Has the content been reviewed or peer-reviewed?
  • Can the information be verified using another reliable source?
  • Is the writing free of spelling and grammatical errors?
  • Does the content appear objective and unbiased?

Evaluate Purpose

Determine why the information was created.

Consider the following:

  • Is the purpose to inform, educate, persuade, entertain, or sell?
  • Is the author's intent clearly stated?
  • Is the content factual, opinion-based, or promotional?
  • Does the information appear objective?
  • Are there political, religious, cultural, institutional, or personal biases?

Troubleshooting

I'm not sure if a source is reliable

Try the following:

  • Compare the information with another credible source.
  • Review the author's qualifications and publication information.
  • Ask your instructor or a librarian for guidance.

The source doesn't include an author or publication date

Try the following:

  • Look for an "About" page or publisher information.
  • Check whether the source provides citations or references.
  • Consider using a different source if important information is missing.

I found conflicting information in different sources

Try the following:

  • Compare multiple credible sources.
  • Prioritize peer-reviewed, scholarly, or government resources when appropriate.
  • Consider whether newer information has replaced older research.
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