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Evaluating Sources: The Basics

The CRAAP Test

The CRAAP test is a way of thinking about sources to determine their reliability or appropriateness for your information need. 

Evaluate Sources Based on the Following Criteria:

  • Currency
  • Relevance
  • Authority
  • Accuracy
  • Purpose

Explore the other tabs in this box to explore how to apply the above areas. 

Use the link below to obtain a copy of the CRAAP Test Criteria.

Currency

Currency: The Timeliness of the information

Ask yourself the following questions as you review your source(s):

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Is this the most current version of the document?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
  • Are there any outdated or "dead" links? (online sources)

Relevance

Relevance: The Importance of the information

Ask yourself the following questions as you review your source(s):

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level for your needs (not basic or too advanced)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before deciding this is the one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority

Authority: The Source of the information

Ask yourself the following questions as you review your source(s):

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • If the material is copyright protected, is the name of the copyright holder given?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (Examples: .com, .edu, .org, .net, .gc.ca, .on.ca)

Accuracy

Accuracy: The Reliability, Truthfulness, and Correctness of the content

Ask yourself the following questions as you review your source(s):

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
  • If the statistical data is presented in graph or chart form, is it legible and clearly labelled?

Purpose

Purpose: The Reason the information exists

Ask yourself the following questions as you review your source(s):

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/Sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Does it acknowledge other perspectives or conflicting points of view?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

Evaluating Sources for Academic Use


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