HOWLER Tutorials: CRAAP Test Tutorial

CRAAP Test Explained: Video

The      test

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 work as well?
• 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?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining that this is the one you will use?

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 this topic?
• Is the source information provided?  Are the sources credible?
• 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
• Does the tone seem unbiased and free from emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?

Purpose - the reason the information exists

• What is the purpose - to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
• Do the authors / sponsors make their intentions clear?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, or personal biases?

Meriam Library.  Evaluating Information – Applying the CRAAP Test, California State University, Chico, 17 Sept. 2010, www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/eval_websites.pdf.