Evaluating Information
There are numerous acronyms that explain how to critically evaluate the different types of information sources you find while researching a topic (e.g., ACT UP, PROVEN or the 5Ws), but one of the simplest is to ask yourself: is this source CRAAP?
Is it: Current, Relevant, Authoritative, Accurate, and have a clear Purpose?
| Currency The timeliness of the information |
When was the information published or posted? Has the information been revised or updated? Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well? If online, are page/site links working? |
| Relevance The importance of the information to 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 (i.e., not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use? Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper? |
| 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? If online, does the URL reveal anything about the author/source? e.g., .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? |
Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test
Meriam Library, California State University, Chico
