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Fake News! - How to Evaluate Information & Avoid Mis/Disinformation: CRAAP Test

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The CRAAP Test

The CRAAP Test is a simple, easy-to-remember tool, created by librarian Sarah Blakeslee of Cal State Chico, that enables you to quickly evaluate the reliability of sources you use.  Run your sources through each of the five steps of the test in order to determine their Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.

The CRAAP Test

The CRAAP test is an acronym that stands for:

C - 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?
  • For online sources, are the links functional?

R - Relevance - the importance of the information for your needs

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

A - Authority - the source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organization affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • For online sources, does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? Examples: .com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net

A - Accuracy - the reliability/truthfulness/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?

P - 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 biases, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

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