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
- If relevant, when was the information gathered?
- When was it posted?
- When was it last revised?
- Are links functional and up-to-date?
- Is there evidence of newly added information or links?
Relevance : the uniqueness of the content and its importance for your needs.
- What is the depth and breadth of the information presented?
- Is the information unique?
- Is it available elsewhere, in print or electronic format?
- Could you find the same or better information in another source?
- Who is the intended audience? Is this easily determined?
- Does the site provide the information you need? Your overall assessment is important. Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority : the source of the information
- Who is the author/creator/sponsor?
- Are author's credentials listed?
- Is the author a teacher or student of the topic? Does the author have a reputation?
- Is there contact information, such as an e-mail address? Has the author published works in traditional formats?
- Is the author affiliated with an organization? Does this organization appear to support or sponsor the page?
Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information
- Where does the information come from?
- Are the original sources of information listed?
- Can you verify any of the information in independent sources or from your own knowledge?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Does the language or tone seem biased?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or other typos?
Purpose : the presence of bias or prejudice
- Are possible biases clearly stated?
- Is advertising content vs. informational content easily distinguishable?
- Are editorials clearly labeled?
- Is the purpose of the page stated?
- Is the purpose to: inform? teach? entertain? enlighten? sell? persuade?
Source: Evaluating Information - Applying the CRAAP Test, Meriam Library at California State University, Chico
