Evaluating sources is a critical skill for all researchers. It involves assessing the credibility, relevance, and reliability of information sources to ensure that your research is based on accurate and trustworthy material. By applying some of evaluation techniques on this page, you can help faculty members produce high-quality, well-supported research and legal scholarship.
Traditionally, the CRAAP test has been a widely-used tool for assessing the reliability of information sources. The CRAAP test is a form of vertical reading, which involves examining a single source to gather information and assess its reliability or validity.
"CRAAP" is an acronym for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose:
Check when the information was published, posted, or last updated. Consider whether your topic requires current information or if older sources will work. For web sources, check whether links are functional.
Determine how the information relates to your topic, suits the intended audience, and is at an appropriate level for your research needs. Ensure you have explored various sources and would feel comfortable citing the source in your research paper.
Evaluate the author, publisher, source, or sponsor's authority by examining their credentials, organizational affiliations, and qualifications to write on the topic. Look for contact information.
Consider the information's origin, supporting evidence, and whether it has been reviewed or cited. Verify the information through other sources and check for biased language. Look for the absence of spelling, grammar, or typographical errors.
Consider whether the information aims to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade, and if the authors or sponsors clearly state their intentions. Identify if the content is fact, opinion, or propaganda. Assess whether the point of view is objective and impartial, considering any potential biases.
The CRAAP test provides a structured approach to assessing the quality and reliability of a source. While it remains a useful starting point, it may not sufficiently address the unique complexity of online information when used alone.
The CRAAP test's emphasis on vertical reading can be vulnerable to manipulation by sophisticated disinformation campaigns. A recent study showed that students relying solely on the CRAAP test to assess online sources may be more susceptible to misinformation, often focusing on surface-level features like domain extensions (e.g., .com, .edu, .gov) and the site's "About" page.
Try these additional strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the CRAAP test when evaluating online sources:
Source bias refers to the inherent perspectives, preferences, and prejudices that an individual or organization holds that influence the way information is presented. Every individual and organization has biases, which can be based on personal beliefs, experiences, or support of a particular viewpoint. When evaluating sources and deciding whether to include them in your research, it's important to recognize bias and assess how it may impact the credibility and reliability of the information. Failing to account for bias can lead to a skewed understanding of a topic and inaccurate or misleading information in your research.
Resources for evaluating source bias: