What is The CRAAP Criteria and How To Perform One?

Declan Gessel

Jun 16, 2024

Are you tired of sifting through unreliable sources when researching a topic? Are you often unsure whether the information you're looking at is trustworthy, relevant, or even real? Let's face it: the struggle is real. Luckily, there's a solution: the CRAAP test.

This helpful tool is designed to help you critically evaluate sources and ensure you rely only on the most accurate, up-to-date information. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need about the CRAAP criteria and how to put them to the test. So, say goodbye to the days of confusion and misinformation and prepare to become a research pro.

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What is the CRAAP Test?

Currency

This refers to the timeliness of the information. When was the information published or last updated? Is it current and relevant to your research topic?

Relevance

This determines how well the information relates to your specific needs. Does it address your research question or topic directly?

Authority

This assesses the source of the information. Who is the author? Are they an expert in the field? Is the publisher a reputable organization?

Accuracy

This evaluates the reliability and correctness of the information. Is the content supported by evidence? Are there citations or references to credible sources? Are there any factual errors or inconsistencies?

Purpose

This considers the reason the information exists. What is the author's intent? Is it to inform, persuade, sell something, or entertain? Understanding the purpose can help you identify potential biases.

How to Perform the CRAAP Test

Person Typing on Laptop - CRAAP Criteria

Identify the Source

Start by pinpointing the source of the information. Consider what kind of source it is—whether it's a website, a journal article, a book, or something else. This helps me determine the context and reliability of the information you’re working with.

Evaluate Each Criterion

Go through each CRAAP criterion individually and ask yourself relevant questions. This helps you break down the evaluation process into manageable steps to make a more informed judgment about the information you’re reviewing.

Currency

Pay attention to when the information was published or updated. Consider whether it's recent enough for your topic or outdated or useless for your research. This helps you ensure you’re working with the most up-to-date information available.

Relevance

Carefully consider whether the information directly addresses your research question or topic. Ensure your information is relevant to your work to avoid unnecessary distractions or tangents.

Authority

Take time to determine who the author is and whether they're experts in the field. Also, examine their credentials and determine if the publisher is reputable. This helps gauge the reliability and trustworthiness of the information you're working with.

Accuracy

Check whether the information is supported by evidence. Then, look for citations or references to credible sources and check for grammatical or factual errors. This helps you verify that the information is accurate and reliable.

Purpose

Investigate the author's intent behind the information. Consider whether it's objective or subjective, and look for any potential biases. This will help you understand the context and motivation behind the information and make a more informed judgment about its reliability.

Make a Judgment

After evaluating each criterion, decide on the credibility and trustworthiness of the information source. Determine whether it's a reliable source you can use in research or if you need to find alternative sources.

Additional Tips

Always look for websites with a clear "About Us" section identifying the authors and their qualifications. Trust scholarly journals and reputable news organizations more than personal blogs or social media posts. Cautious of information with strong emotional language that seems too good to be true.

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Considering Source Type

Several Laptops on Table - CRAAP Criteria

Websites

When it comes to websites, applying the CRAAP Test is crucial for determining which ones are reliable and which should be taken with a grain of salt. Starting with the publication date, newer websites often indicate more up-to-date information.

Author information is also key. Who is behind the website? Are they reputable? Most websites have an "About Us" section that offers insights into the creator. Lastly, consider the source itself. Does the website belong to a reputable organization or educational institution? This can point to the credibility of the information provided.

Journal Articles

Journal articles are prevalent sources of information in many fields. When evaluating these sources using the CRAAP Test, key factors to consider include the publication date, author credentials, and the journal's reputation within the field.

Are the authors experts in their field? Are they affiliated with well-known institutions? Additionally, does the journal have a good reputation for publishing quality, peer-reviewed research? These questions help determine the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Books

Books offer a wealth of information on a wide range of topics. When assessing a book using the CRAAP Test, look at the publication date, author's expertise, and publisher's reputation.

How recent is the book? Is the author well-versed in the subject matter? Do they have the necessary qualifications to speak on the topic? Furthermore, examine the publisher's reputation. Are they known for producing credible, well-researched works? Books that include references or bibliographies can further boost their credibility.

Social Media Posts

Social media is a prevalent source of information in today's digital age. When evaluating social media posts using the CRAAP Test, be extra critical. Consider the poster's credibility. Are they an expert or influencers in the field?

Look for links to reliable sources that can corroborate the information provided. Additionally, consider the platform itself. Is it known for spreading misinformation or fake news? Scrutinize the information carefully to ensure its accuracy.

Remember, no source is perfect. By applying the CRAAP Test to different information sources, you can better assess their credibility and determine whether they suit your research needs.

5 Benefits of Using the CRAAP Test

Person Holding the Meeting - CRAAP Criteria

1. Enhanced Critical Thinking

The CRAAP Test encourages objective analysis and critical questions about information's source and credibility, promoting a discerning approach to information consumption.

2. Improved Source Selection

By systematically evaluating sources through the CRAAP framework, you can identify reliable and trustworthy information, enhancing the strength of your research and helping you avoid misleading or inaccurate sources.

3. Stronger Research Foundation

Utilizing the CRAAP Test empowers you to build a research foundation based on credible and verifiable information, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of your findings.

4. Boosted Information Literacy

Regularly using the CRAAP Test sharpens your information literacy skills, making you more adept at navigating the vast information landscape and identifying valuable sources.

5. Combating Misinformation

In today's digital age, the CRAAP Test is a valuable tool to combat misinformation and fake news, equipping you to assess information critically and determine its legitimacy.

Additional Tips for Evaluating Information Sources

Person Using Mobile infront of Laptop - CRAAP Criteria

Lateral Reading

As a seasoned researcher, lateral reading is one of the most valuable strategies I employ to evaluate information effectively. This approach involves consulting multiple sources to corroborate the information presented in a single source.

Reading laterally allows you to gain a broader perspective and identify inconsistencies or biased information. This method is particularly useful when dealing with controversial or complex topics, as it helps you form a more comprehensive understanding.

Fact-Checking Websites

In today's digital age, misinformation spreads rapidly. Therefore, I always recommend fact-checking websites to verify claims and identify potential misinformation.

Websites like Snopes, Factcheck.org, and PolitiFact are valuable resources for fact-checking statements and debunking myths. By cross-referencing information with these reputable sources, you can ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information you are evaluating.

Review Websites

When evaluating scholarly articles or academic research, checking if the journal is peer-reviewed is crucial. Peer review is a process where experts in the field evaluate the research before publication.

This rigorous evaluation ensures the quality and credibility of the information presented in scholarly articles. By reviewing the author's credentials and the journal's reputation, you can assess the reliability of the research and make informed decisions about its credibility.