It is important to critically examine sources to determine their usefulness to your assignment. A quick, easy way to evaluate sources is to apply the CRAAP test.
Article or Website Evaluation FormA checklist for students. It is used to evaluate websites and questionable articles. Easily attached to the back of papers and used to justify using questionable or non-peer reviewed articles and websites.
CURRENCY
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When was the information written?
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When was the information revised or updated?
RELEVANCE
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Does the information relate to your topic or answer your research question?
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Is the information written at an appropriate level (scholarly, popular, etc.)?
AUTHORITY
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What are the author's credentials, qualifications, affiliations, and experiences?
ACCURACY
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Are valid sources cited?
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Is the information reviewed or refereed?
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Are there any spelling or grammar errors?
PURPOSE
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Is the information written to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
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Does the author indicate a purpose, or goal, and is it achieved?
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Is there any bias, opinion, judgment, etc., expressed?
