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Communication Resources

Evaluation Criteria

     When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it . .  but is it good information? 

Check to be sure!

     Determine that yourself, with the help of the CRAAP Test*.  Below is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find.  A red asterisk (*) indicates that the criteria applies to a website--see the guide box to the right for information about websites.

Evaluation Criteria

Currency: The timeliness of the information

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
  • * Are the links functional or are there dead links?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety for sources before determining this is the one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

Authority: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
  • What are the author's qualifications, credentials and organizational affiliations?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
  • * Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?  Examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed by anyone else?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem biased or is it free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typgraphical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Adapted from:  Evaluating Information - Applying the CRAAP Test, Meriam Library California State University, Chico, CA. Last updated 9/7/10.