CRAAP Test
Evaluating the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose (CRAAP Test) of the information you find is a crucial and necessary step in your library research. The questions in this guide should help you determine whether a particular source is a good fit for your research.
Always be critical. Can you defend the CRAAP of the resource?
Currency
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Does your topic require current information, or will older sources also work?
Relevance
- Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
- 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?
Authority
- Who is the author/ publisher/ sponsor, and what are their credentials or affiliations?
- Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
- Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
Accuracy
- Where does the information come from, and are claims supported by evidence?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Are there any broken links or typographical errors?
Purpose
- What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
- Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Keep in mind that a blog is often solely the author’s opinion!
- Is the point of view objective? Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
Adapted from CSU Chico’s Meriam Library handout, 2010 – click to download.