The Internet can be a useful source of information, but it also includes information from less than reputable sources. Thus, information on the Internet needs to be evaluated to determine its validity. The CRAAP test can be used to critically evaluate information on the Internet. It invites people to evaluate Internet sites based on their currency, relevance, authority, accuracy and purpose or point of view.
Currency (The date or timeliness of the information)
- How recent is the information?
- When was the information published or updated?
- Is the information current enough for your topic?
- Are the references cited current?
- If the information is older, is it relevant to the topic?
Relevance (The appropriateness of the information for your needs)
- Does the information relate to the topic of interest?
- What kind of information is included in the resource?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Does the work include references to other sources?
Authority (The source of the information)
- Who is the author, creator or publisher?
- What are their credentials?
- Who is the sponsor or publisher Who provides the funding?
- Are they reputable?
- What kind of organization is the sponsor or publisher? (.com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net)
Accuracy (The reliability, truthfulness & correctness of the information)
- What is the source of the information?
- Does the evidence given support the conclusions?
- Is all evidence considered?
- Are the research methods used correct?
- Can the conclusions be tested and are they valid?
- Is there later work on the topic? Does it support the conclusions?
Purpose (Point of View)
- What is the purpose of the information?
- What is the author’s/publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
- Is the information presented fact, opinion or propaganda?
- Is it objective and impartial or biased?
