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CRAAP Test

A source evaluation rubric

CRAAP Test Interactive Worksheet


CRAAP Test WORKSHEET

Use the following list to help you evaluate sources. Answer the questions as appropriate, and then rank each of the 5 parts from 1 to 10. (1 = unreliable, 10 = excellent.) The total score at the bottom will give you an idea of whether or not this is a source you should use.

 

 

Currency:  Timeliness of the information                                                       _ _/10

  • When was the information published or posted? 
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Are their similar but more updated studies, articles, etc. on the same topic?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?

 

R​elevance: ​ Importance of the information for y​our​ n​eed                __/10

  • Does the information relate to your topic?
  • Does this information add a needed perspective to the rest of your sources?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level for your needs?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before deciding this is one to use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

 

A​uthority:  Source or author of the information                  __/10

  • 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? ​What are their primary areas of study?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • Can you verify information about the author/publisher from another unrelated source?

 

A​ccuracy:  Reliable, truthful and correctness of the content  __/10

  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • How h​as 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?
  • Has all or part of the information been retracted? Or, conversely, cited many times since publication?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

 

P​urpose: ​The reason the information exists                               __/10

  • 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?
  • What are the political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
  • How was/is this author paid for their study? What are their funding $ource$​?


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CRAAP Detailed Description and Printable PDF