The CRAP Test

Evaluate Sources Based on the Following Criteria:
Currency, Reliability, Authority and Purpose/Point of View

• Currency
  • How recent is the information?
  • How recently has the website been updated?
  • Is it current enough for your topic?
• Reliability
  • What kind of information is included in the resource?
  • Is content of the resource primarily opinion?  Is is balanced?
  • Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
• Authority
  • Who is the creator or author?
  • What are the credentials?
  • Who is the publisher or sponsor?
  • Are they reputable?
  • What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
  • Are there advertisements on the website?
• Purpose/Point of View
  • Is this fact or opinion?
  • Is it biased?
  • Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?

(adapted from LOEX 2008 wiki)