When you are gathering sources for your papers and projects, you need to make sure that sources you have chosen are credible sources. When using web sites as sources for your papers and projects, be wary of the information contained within them, and evaluate each one before referencing it in your projects or papers.  Now, evaluating websites often can be tricky, so use the CRAAP test to make sure you are on the right track. Ask yourselves the following questions to help you decide if your source is credible or……not so credible.

 

C – Currency

• When was it published?

• Can you actually locate the date it was published?

• Has the information within the resource been updated?

• Does your topic require current information?
   

R – Relevancy

• How relevant is the resource to your topic?

• Who is the intended audience?

• Is the information too basic or too advanced?

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A – Authority

• Does the resource have a listed author?

• What are the author’s credentials? Is he or she an expert on the subject?

• Is the author qualified to write information on this topic?

• Is there contact information for the publisher or author?

• Does the URL reveal information about the author? (.com, .net, .org, .edu, .gov)

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A – Accuracy

• Where does the information within the source come from?

• Is the information supported by evidence?

• Does the author provide references?

• Are there spelling or grammatical errors?

• Does the source seem biased?
   

P – Purpose

• Why was this piece written?

• What is the goal of this piece? To sell something? To entertain? To teach? To persuade you?

• Does the author make his or her intentions clear?

• Is the information fact or opinion?

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