Evaluating information resources: Using the CRAAP test

It is important to evaluate the information you find and consider its relevance to your presentation or essay. The ideas you present, in your assignments and research, need to be backed up by reliable evidence.

Some information sources (particularly those found on the internet) may not be reliable and could jeopardise your assessment marks! Make sure you select the most appropriate resources for your topic.

Try applying the CRAAP Test to evaluate your information.

Use your judgment in allotting points for each category. Add up the points for the total score:

Currency (0 to 10 points)

• When was this published?
• Is the information still correct?
• Does your research require current or historical information?

Relevance (0 to 10 points)

• What is the depth and breadth of the information presented?
• What method of obtaining data or conducting research was used by the author?
• Is the information unique?
• Could you find the same or better information in another source (for example an encyclopedia or textbook)?
• Is there supporting evidence (documents, citations)?
• Who is the intended audience (for example researchers, Physicians, General public)?
• Does the information meet your need?

Authority (0 to 10 points)

• Who wrote it?
• What qualifications does this author have to write on this topic?
• What is the author’s purpose for researching and writing this book?
• Is the author affiliated with an organization? What are the goals of the organization?
• Has it been “peer-reviewed”?

Accuracy (0 to 10 points)

• Are the sources for any factual information clearly listed so they can be verified in another source?
• Is the information free of grammatical, spelling and other typographical errors?
• Is it clear who has the ultimate responsibility for the content of the material?
• Is statistical information labeled clearly and easy to read?

Purpose (0 to 10 points)

• Does this article or book seem objective or does the author have a bias or make assumptions?
• If there is advertising, is it clearly differentiated from the informational content?
• Is the purpose to: inform? Teach? Entertain? Enlighten? Sell? Persuade?

TOTAL ………………………………….

5.1	Module 5 objectives
5.2	What to use and when
5.3	Evaluating information resources: using the CRAAP test
5.4	Evaluating internet resources
5.5	Organising information
5.6	Module 5 review
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