Evaluating Websites

How to Evaluate Online Sources

We can't trust everything we find on the Internet. But how do we determine which sites have the authority to be trusted and useful? You'll have to put a site through the C.R.A.A.P. test to make that assessment.

Click here for a PDF on Applying the C.R.A.A.P. Test

Currency - Is the information recent enough for your topic?

• When was it posted?

• Is that recent enough? Do you need news or history?

• Is it updated regularly?

• Are the links functional?

Relevance - Does this information meet your research needs?

• Does the information relate to your topic, or assist you in arguing for or against a claim?

• Have you looked at a variety of sources and determined this is the best match?

• Is it an appropriate level?

• Is it in-depth enough to cover your research needs, but not beyond your comprehension?

• Who is the intended audience?

Authority - Who wrote, published or endorsed the information and should we trust them?

• What credentials or expertise does the author/publisher/source/sponsor have?

• Is the author qualified to write or speak on this topic?

• Is contact information given?

• Does the url extension provide any insight (i.e. .com, .gov, .edu and .org)?

Accuracy - How reliable is the source’s content?

• Is it peer reviewed, refereed or critiqued?

• Is the information supported by evidence with sources cited?

• Can the information be verified on another reliable source?

• Does it appear reliable, free of typos, spelling or grammar errors?

Purpose - What is the author’s intent?

• Is the author trying to sell me a product or an idea?

• Is it possible that this was created to satirize or entertain?

• Does the information and tone appear impartial and objective, or are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases that are evident?

• Does the presence of advertising suggest bias?

• Do the authors or sponsors make their purpose clear?