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CRAAP is a method for evaluating a source based on its own properties. It prompts you to check the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose of a publication.
Currency relates to the timeliness of the resource:
- When was the information published?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Is the information current or outdated?
- Does currency matter on this topic, or will older sources work as well?
- Are all the links working?
Relevance relates to the importance of the information to you:
- Does the information relate to your research or answer your question?
- Is the information at an appropriate level, i.e., not too simple or too advanced for your needs?
- Have you looked at a range of other sources? This will help you decide whether the source you are using is relevant.
- Are you comfortable citing this as a reputable source for your research paper?
Authority relates to the source of the information:
- Who is the author/publisher/source?
- What are their credentials/qualifications/affiliations?
- Is the source trustworthy or qualified to write on the subject?
- Is the source peer-reviewed or refereed?
- Is there contact information and is it easy find out more about the author/organisation?
Accuracy relates to the reliability of the resource:
- Is the information based on evidence, proven facts or statistical data?
- Are there reliable references you can check (e.g. citations, footnotes, or a bibliography)?
- Does the language or tone seem balanced, unbiased and free from errors (including syntax, spelling and grammar)?
Purpose relates to the reason the information exists:
- What is the purpose of the information? (i.e. inform, argue, teach, sell, entertain, persuade)?
- Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
- Is the information impartial or biased?
- Does the information include advertising?
