The CRAAP Test
Apply the CRAAP test framework to systematically evaluate source credibility.
The CRAAP test provides a systematic framework for evaluating sources. It stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.
The CRAAP Criteria
- Currency: How recent is the information? Is timeliness important for this topic?
- Relevance: Does this source address your research question? Is it appropriate for your audience?
- Authority: Who created this? What are their credentials? Is the publisher reputable?
- Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence? Are sources cited? Has it been reviewed?
- Purpose: Why was this created? To inform, persuade, sell, or entertain? Is there bias?
Applying CRAAP in Practice
The CRAAP test is most useful as a systematic checklist, not a pass/fail test. A source might score well on authority but poorly on currency. Weigh each criterion based on your research needs — currency matters more for medical information than for historical research.
The "Purpose" criterion is often the most revealing. Ask: Who funded this? What do they want you to believe or do? A pharmaceutical company's research on its own drug requires more scrutiny than independent research.
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3 questions · Grade 6 level