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Public Health

C.R.A.A.P. Test

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.