Evaluating Sources

Assessing the quality of the sources you use is an important element of research.

SOURCE EVALUATION TUTORIALS

Apply the CRAAP Test

Currency: the timeliness of the information

    • When was the information published or posted?

    • Has the information been revised or updated?

    • Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?

    • Are the links functional?

Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs

    • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?

    • Who is the intended audience?

    • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?

    • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?

    • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority: the source of the information

    • 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 given?

    • What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic? Can they be verified?

    • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?

    • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content

    • Where does the information come from?

    • Is the information supported by evidence?

    • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?

    • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?

    • Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?

    • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose/Point of View: the reason the information exists

    • What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?

    • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?

    • Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?

    • Follow the money. Who stands to gain from this?

    • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?

    • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

    • What clues does the format give to the purpose, audience, quality?

Note: the CRAAP test was developed and originally created by librarians at CSU Chico.