When
you search for information, you're going to find lots of it. . . but is
it accurate and reliable? You will have to determine this for yourself,
and the CRAAP Test can help.The
CRAAP Test is a list of questions
to determine if the information you have is reliable. Please keep in mind
that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will
be more or less important depending on your situation or need.So, what are
you waiting for? Is your web site credible and useful, or is it a bunch
of . . .?!
Key: * indicates criteria is for Web only
Currency: The timeliness of the information.
When
was the information published or posted?
Has
the information been revised or updated?
Is the information
current or out-of date for your topic?
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 (i.e. not too elementary or advanced
for your needs)?
Have
you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you
will use?
Would
you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
Authority: The source of the information.
Who
is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Are
the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
What
are the author's credentials or oganizational affiliations given?
What are the author's qualifications to write on the
topic?
Is
there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
Does
the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
examples: .com .edu .gov
.org .net *
Accuracy:
The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational
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 biased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
What
is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain?
persuade?
Do
the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
Is
the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
Does
the point of view appear objective and impartial?
Are
there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal
biases?
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