Does the information source you are evaluating pass the CRAAP Test?
Currency
- When was the information published or posted?
- Is there a date given for when the site was last updated?
- Do the links still work?
Relevance
- Is the information meeting the needs of your research?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information covered at the appropriate level or do you need to consult additional sources?
Authority
- Who is the author?
- What are the author's or organization's credentials?
- Is the author qualified to write on this topic?
- Is there any way to contact the author directly?
Accuracy
- Where does the information come from and is it supported by evidence?
- Can the information be verified in other sources?
- Does the author use unbiased language that is free of emotion?
- Is the information trying to persuade the opinion of the audience?
- Are there any spelling or other typographical errors on the page?
Purpose
- Is the purpose of the site clear?
- Is it designed to sell you something? Inform? Persuade?
- Are there any political, institutional, cultural, or personal biases present?
The CRAAP acronym and descriptions are from the Meriam Library at California State University Chico.
