Search results are selected by computer software, not by human experts. Use the following list of questions to carefully evaluate what you find.
*See the PDF version of the list at the bottom of this box: CRAAP Test for Evaluating Resources*
CURRENCY: The timeliness of the information
- Does your assignment require current information?
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated recently?
- Are the links on the website up-to-date?
RELEVANCE: The importance of the information for your needs
- Does the information answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information at an appropriate level for your audience (i.e. not too basic or advanced)?
- Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper or speech?
AUTHORITY: The source of the information
- Who is the author / publisher / source / sponsor?
- Is an email address or phone number provided for the author/source?
- Has the author stated their credentials or organizational affiliations? Hint: Look up the author in a biographical reference source.
- Is the author qualified to write on this topic?
- Does the website URL tell you anything about the author or source? Hint: .edu .gov .org .com
ACCURACY: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content
- Is the information supported by evidence? Hint: Is there a References, Bibliography, or Works Cited list?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed? Hint: Is the source a scholarly or peer-reviewed journal?
- Can the information be verified with another source? Hint: Verify questionable facts, statistics, etc. with a reputable source. Don't depend on one source for all of your information, especially if you are not familiar with the topic.
- Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
- Is the language unbiased and free of emotion?
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 clear? Hint: On websites look for links that say "About Us" "Philosophy" or "Mission."
- Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Hint: If the source deals with a controversial topic, look for an identification of the author's bias.
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
* modified from Evaluating Information -- Applying the CRAAP Test from California State University, Chico.
