As you begin gathering information sources for your assignment, it is important to remember not all information is created equal. Information comes from a variety of sources and may not be suitable for your assignment. As part of the research process, all information sources must be critically evaluated for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose (CRAAP). Use the CRAAP questions below to ensure your sources are credible and relevant to your research.
Currency: the timeliness of the information
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Does your topic require current information, or will older sources also work?
- Are links functional and up to date?
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 if this is one you will use?
- Would you be comfortable citing this in your research paper?
Authority: the source of the information
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
- Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
- Is there contact information, such as a publisher or an email address?
- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
- .ac.uk = Academic institutions in the UK
- .com = Commercial sites (commercial businesses)
- .edu = Educational institutions
- nhs.uk = Health information services in the UK
- .org = Non-profit organizations
- .mil = Military
- .net = Network (tech-centered networking businesses)
Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information
- 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 from another source or personal knowledge?
- Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?
Purpose: the reason the information exists
- What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, entertain, sell, or persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Are editorials clearly labeled?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
Source: Evaluating Information - Applying the CRAAP Test, Meriam Library at California State University, Chico
