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Evaluate Websites and Online Resources

There is an endless supply of information to be found online, but determining what information is accurate and credible is sometimes difficult. This guide is to assist you in ensuring you are web sources are giving your accurate information.

The CRAAP Test

The C.R.A.A.P. test 

Currency: the timeliness of the information

  • When was the information posted?
  • Has the information been updated/revised?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work?
  • Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources?

Authority: The source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/sponsor?
  • What are the author’s credentials?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the source?

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Have the information been reviewed?
  • Can you verify the information in another source?
  • Does that language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling/grammatical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information (to teach, inform, sell, entertain, persuade)?
  • Do the authors make their intentions clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases? 

Want to know more? Scribbr posted a great article on the CRAAP Test

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