Summary
Learn how to evaluate the credibility of information sources using the CRAAP Test to determine whether a source is current, relevant, authoritative, accurate, and appropriate for academic use.
Body
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.