Evaluate

Evaluate the Information You Find using the CRAAP Test.

Think about the questions for each aspect of the CRAAP Test. You won't be able to answer all the questions, but they should make you think about your source and whether or not it's appropriate for your intended use.

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e., not too elementary or advanced for your needs?)
Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?

Authority: The source of the information.

Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
Is the author qualified to write on the topic?

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content.

Where does the information come from? What sources, if any, are they citing?
Is the information supported by evidence? Could you check their research?
Has the information been reviewed or refereed (peer reviewed)?
Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

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 information have a point of view?
Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion, or does it use hyperbole or emotional words, such as best, worst, only, never, always, etc.?
Who is the intended audience?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

Thanks to the Meriam Library at CSU Chico for formulating the CRAAP Test.