29 The CRAAPP Test
Evaluating Source Credibility: The CRAAPP Test
How do you determine if a source is credible or not? In Module 2, one of your assigned readings was CRAAPP Detector . This acronym has evolved over the years from the original four-letter word, to a six-letter mnemonic device. It is an excellent litmus test for you to use when evaluating the quality of information on websites. (1)
Currency
- When was it written or published? Has the website been updated recently?
- Do you need current information, or will older sources meet your research need?
- Where is your topic in the information cycle?
Relevance
- Does it meet stated requirements of your assignment?
- Does it meet your information needs/answer your research question?
- Is the information at an appropriate level or for your intended audience?
Authority
- Who is the creator/author/publisher/source/sponsor? Are they reputable?
- What are the author’s credentials and his/her affiliations to groups, organizations, agencies or universities?
- What type of authority does the creator have? For example, does s/he have subject expertise (scholar), social position (public office, title), or special experience?
Accuracy
- Is the information reliable, truthful, and correct?
- Does the creator cite sources for data or quotations? Who did they cite?
- Are they cherry-picking facts to support their argument?
- Is the source peer-reviewed, or reviewed by an editor? Do other sources support the information presented?
- Are there spelling, grammar, and typo errors that demonstrate inaccuracy?
Purpose
- Is the intent of the website to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell?
- Does the point of view seem impartial or biased?
- Is the content primarily opinion? Is it balanced with other viewpoints?
- Who is the intended audience?
Process
- What kind of effort was put into the creation and delivery of this information?
- Is it a Tweet? A blog post? A YouTube video? A press release?
- Was it researched, revised, or reviewed by others before published?
- How does this format fit your information need or requirements of assignment? (19)
Watch this video, Evaluating Websites . It’s a brief tutorial that clarifies how to best evaluate the information found on websites. This video is based on the original CRAAP Test .
