Information Literacy
The C.R.A.A.P. Test
The C.R.A.A.P. Test is a great way to assess the reliability and credibility of a source from the internet during research. Each letter of C.R.A.A.P. stands for a different aspect of how we should be evaluating sources which can help us to determine if we should be using the source in our writing and research.
Currency - Currency refers to how current a site is. You can determine this by answering the following questions:
When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been reviewed or updated?
Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
Are the links functional?
Relevance - Relevance is all about how the source relates to the research you are doing and the specific needs you have. You can determine a topic’s relevance by answering the following questions:
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Who is the intended audience?
Is the information at an appropriate level?
Have you looked at a variety of sources before choosing this one?
Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority - Authority is refers to the author or source of the research and information. You can determine the authority of a source by asking these questions:
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations?
What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
Is there contact information?
Does the URL reveal anything about the author or the source?
Accuracy - Accuracy refers to the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content. You can determine the accuracy of a source by answering the following questions:
Where does the information come from?
Is the information supported by evidence?
Has the information been reviewed?
Can you verify any of the information in another source?
Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
Purpose - Purpose refers to why the information and the website exist in the first place. You can determine the purpose of your source by answering the following questions:
What is the purpose of the information?
Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?
Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
CRAAP TEST Question from Emily Eggers - Teaching from the Couch
Use the The CRAAP Test Worksheet below to help evaluate your sources. Click the arrow in the upper right corner and then "File"---> "Make a Copy" to edit it.
