The CRAAP Test is a series of questions to ask about any source of information. The questions will help you decide whether your source is credible and appropriate for use in your research.
C
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Currency: The timeliness of the information
- Do you know when the information was published, posted, or last updated?
- Is the information current for your topic and field of study?
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R
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Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs
- Is the information appropriate for a college-level course?
- Is this an adequately in-depth discussion of the topic?
- Has Canadian perspective or content been provided?
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A
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Authority: The source of the information
- Have the author's credentials or organizational affiliations been identified?
- Is the author (or authors) qualified to write on the topic?
- Has the piece been published by a well-known and respected publisher or organization?
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A
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Accuracy: The reliability and correctness of the informational content
- Have the author's sources been clearly cited so that you can easily find (and verify) them?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
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P
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Purpose: The reason the information exists
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Does the point of view appear objective, unbiased and impartial?
- Does the author acknowledge alternative versions of the issues or facts?
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Adapted from: The University of the Fraser Valley (2009). Evaluating information: The CRAAP test. Retrieved from http://www.ufv.ca/library/tutorials/craaptest.htm