The CRAAP Test is a list of
questions you can ask yourself in order to determine if an information source is reliable. Please keep in mind that the following list of questions
is not static nor is it complete. Different criteria will be more or less
important depending on your situation or need. So, what are you waiting for? Is
your source credible and useful, or is it a bunch of . . . !
Currency: The timeliness of the resource. Information is current and updated frequently
If relevant,
when was the information gathered?
When was it
posted to the web/published in print? When was it last revised?
Are links (if a
website) functional and up-to-date? Are
resources listed still pertinent to the topic?
Is there evidence of newly added
information or links?
Relevance/Coverage:
The uniqueness of the content and its importance for your needs.
What is the
depth and breadth of the information presented?
Is the
information unique?
Is it available
elsewhere, in print or electronic format?
Could you find
the same or better information in another source?
Who is the
intended audience? Is this easily determined?
Does the website/item
provide the information you need?
Your overall assessment is important.
Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority: The
source of the resource. Defines who
created the content, the individual or
group's credentials/expertise and provides contact information
Who is the
author/creator/sponsor?
Are author's
credentials listed? Does the author have a reputation?
Is the author a
teacher or student of the topic?
Is there contact
information, such as an e-mail address?
Has the author
published works in traditional formats?
Is the author
affiliated with an organization?
Does this
organization appear to support or sponsor the page?
What does the domain name/URL reveal
about the source of the information (if an electronic resource), if anything?
Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy: The
reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
What is the
source of the information?
Are the original
sources of information listed?
Can you verify
any of the information in independent sources or from your own knowledge?
Has the
information been reviewed or refereed?
Does the
language or tone seem biased?
Are there spelling, grammar, or other
typos?
Purpose: The
presence of bias or prejudice/The reason the resource exists.
Are possible
biases clearly stated? OR Are various points-of-view presented?
Is advertising
content vs. informational content easily distinguishable?
Are editorials
clearly labeled?
Is the purpose
of the web page or resource stated?
Is the purpose
to: inform? teach? entertain? enlighten? sell? persuade?
What does the
domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything?
Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Website Eval: which site is best?
Take a moment and review the following websites. Pay attention to the "Criteria for Evaluating Resources" and determine why the sources may or may not be appropriate for use as a research resource. Be sure to thoroughly review several aspects of each website before making your final evaluation.
