Applying the CRAAP Test and Evaluating Sources

When conducting research, it’s crucial to use credible sources that strengthen the trustworthiness of your arguments and conclusions. However, with an abundance of information available, it can be challenging to determine a source’s credibility. To address this, librarians at California State University developed the CRAAP test in 2004.

What is the CRAAP Test?

The CRAAP test evaluates a source based on the following five key components:

• Currency: Is the source’s information current and up-to-date for your needs?
• Relevance: Does the source directly relate to your research topic and questions?
• Authority: Who is the author, and are they considered an expert in the field? Where is the source published?
• Accuracy: Is the information well-supported by evidence and properly cited?
• Purpose: What is the underlying motive behind publishing this source – to inform, persuade, sell, or entertain?

Applying the CRAAP Test

Let’s explore how the CRAAP test can be used to assess the credibility of different source types:

Books

Books have long been considered one of the most authoritative and well-researched sources of information. They undergo a rigorous editorial process and often represent the culmination of an author’s expertise and years of study on a topic.

However, it’s important to remember that not all books are equal. A book’s credibility can be influenced by factors such as the author’s credentials, the publisher’s reputation, and its intended purpose.

When evaluating a book, ask yourself:

• When was it published? Is it the most recent publication on the subject I’m exploring?
• Are there multiple editions available? Multiple editions suggest the author’s commitment to keeping the information up to date.
• Who is the author? Are they recognized as authoritative figures in their respective field?
• Who is the publisher? The publishing house’s editing, fact-checking, and publishing standards should be transparent.
• Is the book’s purpose evident? Its primary aim should be to inform the reader rather than persuade them to purchase or believe something.

Journal Articles

Journal articles are considered among the most credible and up-to-date sources of information, as they undergo a rigorous peer review process before publication.

When evaluating a journal article, ask yourself:

• Does the journal have a robust peer review process? The journal’s editorial board and peer review procedures should be clearly outlined and accessible.
• What is the author’s track record? Check the author’s other published works and how often other scholars have cited their research. A strong publication history can lend credibility.
• Is the journal indexed in reputable academic databases? Indexing in databases like Web of Science or Scopus indicates the journal meets high standards of quality and impact.
• Has the journal had to issue any retractions? Frequent retractions can signal problems with the journal’s review and fact-checking processes.

You can often access high-quality, peer-reviewed journal articles through your institution’s library subscription databases or platforms like Google Scholar. Evaluating the reliability of a journal article can help ensure you are drawing from the most credible scholarly sources.

News Articles

News articles can be a valuable source of information, but their credibility can vary significantly. While many reputable news outlets maintain a tradition of fact-based and trustworthy journalism, other news sources may be heavily biased, poorly researched, or intentionally misleading.

In the current media landscape, where the spread of “fake news” is a growing concern, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the credibility of news articles, particularly those found online. News sources are often best used to provide context or background information, with more in-depth academic sources forming the core of your research and analysis.

Consider these questions when evaluating a news article:

• Who published it? Is the source reputable and long-standing? Established news outlets prioritize fact-checking, corrections, and credible journalists.
• Who wrote the article? Is the author a recognized journalist? Credible journalists adhere to ethical standards and strive for unbiased reporting.
• Is the article impartial and fact-based? It should present multiple perspectives without favoring any particular viewpoint.
• Does it reference credible primary sources? Links within articles can lead to valuable primary material, enhancing credibility.

Remember that opinion pieces, such as editorials and op-eds, while valuable for perspectives, may not always uphold the same standards of factual reporting.

Websites

While websites are often considered among the most convenient sources, paying attention to the owner, hosting platform, and motive behind the publication is still important.

Some websites are commercially motivated or sponsored, which affects their credibility. As a general rule, educational and government-backed websites are often considered credible.

When evaluating a website, ask yourself:

• When was the website last updated? Is this the most current information on the topic I’m studying?
• Is the website design and content consistent across pages? A well-maintained website signals that the information is kept up to date.
• Who owns the website? Are they a trusted expert or organization in their field?
• What domain extension does the website have? (e.g., .gov, .edu, .org, etc.) The domain can indicate the website’s purpose and credibility.
• Is the website’s purpose clear? The main purpose should be to educate the reader, not to try to convince them to buy or believe something.