EVALUATING SOURCES

Does your source pass the CRAAP test?
Currency
  • When was it published/posted or last updated?
  • Do you need current information, or are older sources acceptable?
Relevance
  • Does it relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level?  Too advanced?  Too easy?
Authority
  • Who is the author, publisher, source, or sponsor?
  • What are their credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
Accuracy
  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has it been reviewed or refereed?
Purpose
  • What is the purpose of the information? To inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
  • Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial, free of emotion, and unbiased? 

STILL UNSURE ABOUT THE CREDIBILITY OF YOUR SOURCE? 

Use this tutorial. Click on the answers that best match the source you are currently evaluating. 
Created by Emily Bredberg
Media Specialist, Shrewsbury High School

​​EVALUATE RESOURCES FOR SCHOLARLY RESEARCH: