The CRAAP Test is a tool used to help evaluate the credibility and reliability of information sources. CRAAP stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. By asking specific questions in each of these areas, students can determine whether a source is trustworthy and appropriate for academic work. Using the CRAAP Test helps ensure that research is based on high-quality, reliable information.
| C | R | A | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Currency- When was the information published or last updated? | Relevance- What is the depth/coverage of info? Who is the intended audience? How well does the source answer your questions? | Authority- Who wrote the information? What are their credentials? Are they affiliated with a company? A non-profit? A university? Look for a Contact Us or About Us page. | Accuracy- Are there any citations? Do the links work? Where are the links going? Can you verify the information elsewhere? | Purpose- Does the website aim to teach? Inform? Sell? Entertain? Persuade? Is it .gov? .edu? .com? |
Watch this video to learn strategies for evaluating scholarly articles for your own research needs.
How to Read a Scholarly Article
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