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 .

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