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Credible Resource Criteria: Evaluating Credible Resources Criteria

Evaluating Credible Resource Criteria

Identifying bias can be tricky because it is not clearly stated. 

  • Bias can exist on a spectrum of political ideology, religious views, financial influence, misinformation, and more. 
  • All sources should be evaluated for potential bias.
  • When you are considering which resources to use there are several criteria that you should check to verify that the resources or information are credible
  • The main points to take into consideration are is it from a reputable source, is it relevant, is it up to date, and is it at an appropriate level for your needs?

Criteria

The CRAAP Test was developed by Sarah Blakeslee of California State University as an easy to remember acronym that provides a set of criteria that can help you decide if a resource is credible.

  • C - Currency
  • R - Relevance
  • A - Authority
  • A - Accuracy
  • P - Purpose

The CRAAP Test

-  Currency: Timeliness of the information

  • When was the information or resource published or posted
  • Has the information been revised or updated
  • Is the information current or out of date?

- Accuracy: Reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content

  • 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 biased and free of emotion

- Relevance: Importance of the information for your needs

  • How is the information related to your needs?
  • Who is the intended audience?
    • Is the information at an appropriate level for your needs?

  - Purpose: the reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
    • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
    • Are there disclosures of sponsorship or advertising
  • Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
    • Are opinions expressed balanced with facts?

- Authority: Source of the information

  • Who has produced the resource?
    • Is it a reputable organisation or expert in the field?
    • What are the author's qualifications, credentials or affiliations?
  • Are the information sources stated?
    • Can you verify the information?
    • Can you contact the organisation or author for verification?

References

References:
Sarah Blakeslee, (2004) “The CRAAP Test,” LOEX Quarterly 31, no. 3
Applying the CRAAP Test. California State University-Chico. accessed 28th June 2021