Video: Evaluating Information Resources
Is the information you found of good quality? Watch the video on Evaluating Information Resources (02:16).
The CRAAP test
There are many sources of information. How do you know if they are good quality? Use the CRAAP test.
Books 
Journal Articles 
Magazine and Newspaper Articles
Research Data & Statistics 
Movies/Videos 
Audio recordings
When was the information published or posted?
When was the information published or posted?Consider:
-
How current is the information?
-
Do you need current information, older sources or both?
-
When was the resource last updated?
-
If there are references and links, how current are they
Does it relate to my topic and needs?
Does it relate to my topic and needs?Consider:
-
Who is the intended audience?
-
Does it help me answer a question or solve a problem?
-
Will it lead to other information?
-
Does it provide evidence for or support my ideas?
-
What does it add to my work?
Who is the source of the information?
Who is the source of the information?Consider:
-
Who is the author, publisher, source or sponsor of the information?
-
Are the authors' and/or publishers' affiliations clear?
-
What is their reason for publishing the material?
-
For websites, does the domain of the URL tell you anything about the author or source (.gov, .edu, .com, .org)
Is the information true and accurate?
Is the information true and accurate?Consider:
-
Where does the information come from?
-
Is the information supported by evidence?
-
Can that evidence be verified if necessary?
-
Are there spelling, grammar or other errors?
-
Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
Why does the information exist?
Why does the information exist?Consider:
-
What is the purpose of the information?
-
Is the information factual or opinion?
-
Is the information biased?
-
Is the information to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
-
Is the website sponsored or influenced by advertising revenue?