How can you tell if the information you find is trustworthy? Sometimes information can be unreliable, especially when dealing with online sources. If you're not sure about a source, just ask yourself, is it CRAAP?
The CRAAP Test is a list of questions that can help you more effectively evaluate information:
Currency - the timeliness of the information.
- When was the information first published?
- For websites, when was the page last updated?
- Does this topic require up-to-date information (like medicine and science)?
Relevance - the usefulness of the information to your needs.
- Does the information answer your research question?
- Is the information at the right level (not too basic or too advanced)?
- Have you considered other possible sources before selecting this one?
Authority - the source of the information.
- What are the author's credentials/qualifications?
- Is there an organization sponsoring the research?
- Does the author provide any contact information?
Accuracy - the reliability and truthfulness of the information.
- Does the author provide evidence to support his or her claims?
- Has the information been reviewed by an editor?
- Is the language and tone neutral and unbiased?
Purpose - the reason the information exists in this format.
- Is the information meant to inform, entertain, or persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their purpose/intention clear?
- Are there political, cultural, religious, or personal biases?
The CRAAP test was developed by staff at Meriam Library, California State University, Chico
