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Evaluating Resources - The CRAAP Test

Evaluating Resources - The CRAAP Test

Instructional Guide Student Evaluating Sources

In everyday searching, you already evaluate sources based on their relevance to your information needs. Evaluating sources thoroughly also builds a solid research foundation. The CRAAP test offers criteria that can be used to evaluate any source.

Currency

  • Is the information timely for the topic?
  • If it is a website, how recently has it been updated?
  • Is it a timeless/seminal work (something that is used or cited by many experts in the field)?

Relevance

  • 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)?

Authority

  • Who are the author(s), publisher, source, and/or sponsor(s)?
  • What are the author’s credentials (education, other publications, years of experience)?
  • Does the author have firsthand experience?

Accuracy

  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Can you verify the information?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other errors?

Point of View / Purpose

  • Is the argument grounded in facts or opinions?
  • Is the creator/author trying to sell you something or are there advertisements?
  • Does it have a strong bias?

Remember: these questions are just a guide to your research. Sometimes a source is still appropriate to your research, even if it does not meet the standards of the CRAAP test. Research sources depend on context, and you are the final judge!

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

This tutorial by The Teaching & Learning Team is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.