Evaluating secondary sources
It is important to think critically about all sources that you find.
The CRAAP test is a useful tool to evaluate secondary sources. The criteria outlined below isn’t meant to be definitive, but it can help to determine whether you should use a source and whether it fits your purpose.
The CRAAP Test
When was the information published or posted?
When was the information published or posted?Consider:
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How current is the information?
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Do you need current information, older sources or both?
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When was the resource last updated?
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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:
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Who is the intended audience?
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Does it help me answer a question or solve a problem?
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Will it lead to other information?
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Does it provide evidence for or support my ideas?
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What does it add to my work?
Who is the source of the information?
Who is the source of the information?Consider:
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Who is the author, publisher, source or sponsor of the information?
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Are the authors' and/or publishers' affiliations clear?
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What is their reason for publishing the material?
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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:
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Where does the information come from?
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Is the information supported by evidence?
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Can that evidence be verified if necessary?
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Are there spelling, grammar or other errors?
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Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
Why does the information exist?
Why does the information exist?Consider:
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What is the purpose of the information?
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Is the information factual or opinion?
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Is the information biased?
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Is the information to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
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Is the website sponsored or influenced by advertising revenue?
Evaluating primary sources
Primary sources also need to be evaluated. Similar to the CRAAP test, the author, purpose, and relevance of the source are important criteria to consider.
Click on the plus icons below to explore some questions you should ask yourself when evaluating a primary source.
Activity overview
This interactive hotspot activity outlines 5 questions you should ask yourself when evaluating a primary source. The hotspots are displayed as plus (+) icons that can be clicked to reveal the questions, as follows
Question 1: Author
Who was the author? What is their background and how might this have affected what they wrote?
Question 2: Purpose
What was the purpose of creating this source? Who was the intended audience?
Question 3: Context
What was the context in which this source was created? What are the ideas and assumptions that are being communicated?
Question 4: Relevance
Does this source help you to explain a particular cultural moment, idea, etc.?
Question 5: Reliability
How does this source compare to other sources? Is it reliable as a source of evidence?