How to Evaluate Sources Using the CRAAP Test

C.R.A.A.P. Test Evaluation

Learn to tell the difference between reliable and unreliable resources by asking yourself these questions. A reliable resource may not pass all of these tests but should pass most.

C is for Currency

1. • Does it tell you when it was written?

   • Do the links on the pages still work?

R is for Reliability

1. • Where did the author get their information from?

   • Do they provide legitimate links or citations?

   • Can the information be verified on other sites?

A is for Authority of the Author

1. • Why do I trust the author?

   • Does the author list their name?

   • If you Google the author, can you tell what makes them an expert?

A is for Authority of the Organization (publisher) or Accuracy

1. • Can I trust the organization?

   • Is there a distinguished organization behind the site?

   • What is the domain? (YES to .gov .edu .org, MAYBE/NO to .com .net)

P is for Purpose or Point of View

1. • Does the author address multiple perspectives?

   • Is the tone objective? Sound factual?

   • Is the writing biased favoring one perspecitive?