CRAAP Test Explanation of Acronym

A

ACCURACY-the reliability, truthfulness and correctness on the content 1) where does the information come from? 2) is the information supported by evidence? 3) has the information been reviewed or referred? 4) are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

A

AUTHORITY-the source of the information 1) who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? 2) what are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations? 3) is the author qualified to write on the topic? 4) is there contact information such as publisher or email address? 5) does the URL reveal anything about the author or source ex.) .com .edu .gov .org .net.,

C

CURRENCY-Is the information up to date? 1) when was the information published or posted? 2) has the info been revised or updated? 3) does your topic require current information, or will other sources work well too? 4) are the links functional?

P

PURPOSE- the reason the information exists 1) what is the purpose of the info? is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade? 2) do the authors make their intentions on purpose clear? 3) is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?

R

RELEVANCE-the importance of the information for your needs 1) does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? 2) who is the intended audience? 3) is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or too advanced for your needs)? 4) i have looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use? 5) would you comfortable citing this source in your research paper?