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Criteria for Evaluating Information
CURRENCY
When was the information published/posted?
Has the information been revised/updated?
Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work just as well?
Are the links functional?
RELEVANCE
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Who is the intended audience?
Is the information at an appropriate level (ie not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
Would you be comfortable citing this source in your assignment?
AUTHORITY
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
What are the author's credentials or organisational affiliations?
Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? eg .com .org .net .gov .edu
ACCURACY
Where does the information come from?
Is the information supported by evidence?
Has 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 from emotion?
Are there spelling, grammar or typing errors?
PURPOSE
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?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
Evaluating Information Using the C.R.A.A.P. Test
