LibGuides: How to Do Research: A Step-By-Step Guide: 3a. Evaluate Sources

Evaluating Resources Using the CRAAP Method

"Since it's on the Internet, it must be true!" Seriously? That's not necessarily the case. Apply the criteria in the CRAAP Test table below, or download the C.A.R.S. Website Evaluation Checklist to help assess the credibility of information found on a website.

C.A.R.S. Website Evaluation Checklist

Criteria	Questions to Ask
urrency	When was the source written and published? Has the information been updated recently? Is currency pertinent to your research?
elevance	Does the source cover your research topic comprehensively or only cover one aspect? To what extent does the source answer your research question? Is the source considered popular or scholarly? Is the terminology and language used easy to understand? Does the source meet the requirements of your research assignment?
uthority	Who is the author (person, company, or organization)? Does the source provide any information that leads you to believe the author is credible or an expert on the topic? Can you describe the author's background (experience, education, knowledge)? Does the author provide citations? Do you think they are reputable?
ccuracy	Can facts or statistics be verified through another source? Based on your knowledge, does the information seem accurate? Does it match the information found in other sources? Are there spelling or grammatical errors?
urpose	What is the purpose or motive for the source (educational, commercial, entertainment, promotional, etc.)? Who is the intended audience? Is the author pretending to be objective, but really trying to persuade, promote or sell something? Does the source seem biased?