Evaluating Websites: Applying the CRAAP Test
(Borrowed from Library - California State University, Chico)
Currency: The timeliness of the information.
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
- Are the links functional?
- This article uses outdated information: https://www.vegsource.com/harris/b_cancer.htm
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
Authority: The source of the information.
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
- Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
- Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? Examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
- This site appears legitimate but we cannot be sure about the source: https://healthylongevity.blogspot.com/2014/02/death-by-veggiephobia.html
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.
- Where does the information come from?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
- Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
- This site cites data and statistics with questionable validity: https://bragg.com/healthinfo/fluoridefacts.html
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
- What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
- Look at the funding and copyright information at the bottom of this website: https://www.beefnutrition.org/