The CRAAP Test can help you remember to evaluate your sources...think about the following questions:
C - Currency
- When was the information last updated?
- Have newer articles been published on your topic?
- Are links and other sources up to date?
R - Relevance
- Does the information answer your research question?
- Meet the stated requirements of the assignment?
- Is the info too technical or too simplified for your use?
- Does the source add something new to your knowledge of the topic?
A - Authority
- What are the author's credentials?
- Are they affiliated with an educational institution or prominent organization?
- Do other books or authors cite this author?
A - Accuracy
- Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published?
- What citations or references support the author's claims?
- What are others saying about this topic?
P - Purpose
- Is the author's purpose to sell, persuade, entertain, or inform?
- Are there alternative points of view presented?
- Does the author use strong or emotional language?
- Are important facts or data left out that might disprove the claims?
Identifying Scholarly, Peer-reviewed Sources
- From Bow Valley College's Library & Learning College
- Helpful tips to identify the type of source you're looking at!
