Art

Using the C.R.A.A.P. Test to Evaluate Information

The C.R.A.A.P. Test is a way to evaluate information to decide if it is appropriate for your research.

When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it . . . but is it good information? You will have to determine that for yourself, and The CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.

Currency – The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does my topic require current information, or will an older source work as well?
• For the Internet, 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

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 the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• For the Internet, does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy – The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content.

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose – The reason the information exists.

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

The CRAAP Test was developed by the Meriam Library at California State University, Chico.