The CRAAP Test

The CRAAP test is a test to check the objective reliability of sources across academic disciplines.

CRAAP is an acronym for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.

The information is recently 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Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?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?

Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?

Are you an intended audience?

Is the information at an appropriate level?

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?

Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? Do you think you can trust him/her?

Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?

What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations are 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?

Where does the information come from? Is it reliable sources or not?

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?

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?