When you are deciding whether to use a website as a source, use the questions below to help you evaluate whether it is appropriate for your purpose.
The CRAAP Test
(Currency - Relevance - Authority - Accuracy - Purpose)
| Currency |
- Is the information current enough for my purpose?
|
| Relevance |
- How is the information relevant to my topic?
- Is the information in depth and detailed enough for my purpose?
|
| Authority |
- Does the author have expertise in the subject area?
- For example: A researcher; a professional in the field
- Is the creator or publisher of the website trustworthy?
- For example: An organization or media company with information available; a government body
|
| Accuracy |
- Does the author support statements with evidence?
- Does the author use trustworthy information sources?
- Does the author provide citations/references?
- Do you notice any errors? (Spelling, facts you can check)
|
| Purpose |
- Is the author unbiased, presenting different viewpoints fairly?
- What is the author's main purpose in writing?
- To provide information, or to sell a product, entertain or persuade?
|
Adapted from: Seneca Libraries. Evaluating websites; LMU Library, RADAR. Both via The Learning Portal, Evaluate for quality.
Example
