Things to Consider
Authority
Who created the information? Why did they create it? Is it a personal opinion?
Is it a professional opinion? What are the author's credentials?
Who created the information? Why did they create it? Is it a personal opinion?
Is it a professional opinion? What are the author's credentials?
Purpose
Is the author trying to persuade, inform, or entertain? Who benefits from the work? Is the information factual? Do the Headings and Subheadings aid in finding information?
Is the author trying to persuade, inform, or entertain? Who benefits from the work? Is the information factual? Do the Headings and Subheadings aid in finding information?
Accuracy
Can the information be verified? Is there an evident bias? Are the links reputable and functioning? Is the date the site was created recorded? Are updates noted?
Can the information be verified? Is there an evident bias? Are the links reputable and functioning? Is the date the site was created recorded? Are updates noted?
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CRAAP Test: Tips on Evaluating SourcesSome things to consider in evaluating the quality of research sources:
Currency: the timeliness of the information
- How recent is the information?
- Can you locate a date when the page(s) were written/created/updated?
- Based on your topic, is the information current enough?
- What kind of information is included in the Web site?
- Is the content primarily fact, or opinion? Is the information balanced, or biased?
- Does the author provide references for quotations and data?
- If there are links, do they work?
- Can you determine who the author/creator is? is there a way to contact them?
- What are their credentials (education, affiliation, experience, etc.)?
- Who is the publisher or sponsor of the site? Are they reputable?
Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information
- Is it accurate? Is it supported by evidence?
- Is the information balanced or biased?
- Was it peer-reviewed?
- Can you verify the information from another reliable source?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?
- Can you determine who the author/creator is? is there a way to contact them?
- What's the intent of the Web site (to persuade, to sell you something, etc.)?
- What is the domain (.edu, .org, .com, etc.)?
- Are there ads on the Web site?
- How do they relate to the topic being covered (e.g., an ad for ammunition next to an article about firearms legislation)?
- Is the author presenting fact, or opinion? Who might benefit from a reader believing this Web site?
- Based on the writing style, who is the intended audience?
The CRAAP Test was developed by librarians at California State University, Chico.
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