Research

With the ease of creating a web resource, it’s easy to imagine how a misleading site could appear. To evaluate web sites, we use the CRAP test.

The CRAP Test

Currency

• • • How recent is the information?

    • How recently has the website been updated?

    • Is it current enough for your topic?

Reliability

• • • What kind of information is included in the resource?

    • Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is balanced?

    • Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?

Authority

• • • Who is the creator or author?

    • What are the credentials?

    • Who is the published or sponsor?

    • Are they reputable?

    • What is the publisher’s interest (if any) in this information?

    • Are there advertisements on the website?

Purpose/Point of View

• • • Is this fact or opinion?

    • Is it biased?

    • Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?

CRAP Test Resources