Evaluating Sources

One approach to evaluating your sources is to use the C.R.A.A.P. test, a set of questions to ask yourself about the resources you are using:

C= Currency

R= Relevance

A= Authority

A= Accuracy

P= Purpose

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information or will older information work as well? How quickly are new ideas brought into your field? Is it important to have a historical perspective?

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience? 
• Is the information at an appropriate level? Is it too difficult or simple to understand? 
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• What are the author's credentials, or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic? Why?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Does the information contain citations?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

• 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?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?