The CRAAP test stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Use these 5 things to evaluate information resources like websites to make sure you're using good, credible information in your paper and not CRAAP.
Currency: The timeliness of the information
Is currency important for your topic? Is it a science, technology, or health-related topic?
Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?
When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Are the links functional?
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Can you find the same or better information in another source?
Is it the type of information needed? (i.e. background, statistics, primary source)
Authority: The source of the information
Who is the creator (author/source/publisher)? Is it an individual or an organization?
Are the creator’s credentials given? Can you determine the creator’s age, level of expertise, etc.? (Hint: Google the author or publisher to find out more)
Is the author qualified to write on this topic?
Is there contact information, address, or email?
Does the URL reveal anything about the source or author? (.com .edu .gov .org)
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content
Where does the information come from?
Is the information supported by evidence? Do they cite their sources?
Has the information been peer reviewed?
Can you verify any of the information in another source or by your own knowledge?
Are there spelling, grammatical or typographical errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists
Is the resource promoting something that might cause biases (like opinions or products)?
Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
If it is an opinion, is it based on logical thinking and good, credible evidence? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
