CRAAP Test

View the short CRAAP Test explanation video to the left then review the CRAAP test form linked and shown below. You will be asked to utilize this form of website evaluation later in the lesson.

While the CRAAP test can be used for all sources used for research, this evaluation tool performs best on websites which are not a news source. For news sources researchers are encouraged to use the IMVAIN method of evaluation.

There are 5 categories to the CRAAP Test

• Currency
• Relevance
• Authority
• Accuracy
• Purpose / POV

In each category of the CRAAP test, there are 5 questions to answer, each worth 2 points. Some questions can be answered with a simple YES or NO, while others ask for a written response. Remember a YES or NO answer has the potential to be a positive or negative response.

Websites which evaluate within the 35-50 range will likely be more reliable when compared to sources which score less than 35 points.

The CRAAP test is a method of evaluation to help students to locate the best websites possible for research purposes, but it is not a perfect tool. Students should ask their teacher or Teacher Librarian to confirm the reliability of a website if they are unsure before using it for class assignments.

High Scoring Example Websites:

• Procon.org - Obamacare
• CDC.gov - Measles 2019
• Pew Research Center - Climate Change

Low Scoring Example Websites:

• Zapato - Deflector Beanie
• STU ftw - Jackalope
• DHMO.org - Dihydrogen Monoxide