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.
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Article or Website Evaluation Form
A 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?
