Evaluating Sources

Main ideas and lessons

• To succeed in assignments and research, use quality information from credible sources such as books, journal articles, and websites.
• You should critically evaluate every source before using it, using the CRAAP test.
• Applying Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy/Verifiability, and Purpose/Objectivity helps ensure the sources you use are reliable.
• If you need additional help, consult a Research Help Desk.

CRAAP test (detailed criteria to evaluate sources)

Currency

• Check when the information was published, updated, and/or revised.
• Determine whether the information is out-of-date for the topic.

Relevance (and Intended Audience)

• Assess how much information is provided (superficial vs. detailed).
• Confirm the content is related and relevant to your topic.
• Ensure the readership level fits your needs (not too basic or too advanced).

Authority

• Verify whether the author/editor is qualified.
• For journals:
  • Check whether articles are peer-reviewed (approved by other experts).
• For books:
  • Identify whether they are published by scholarly presses, or if they are popular press or self-published.

Accuracy (and Verifiability)

• Compare the source with your current understanding of the topic.
• Check whether the claims can be verified using other sources.
• Do not rely on only one source.
• Look for:
  • A bibliography or works cited page.
  • The types and quantity of relevant sources referenced (as a sign of depth of knowledge).

Purpose (and Objectivity)

• Determine whether the source states its purpose.
• Check whether the approach is objective.
• If it is not objective:
  • Identify possible bias and consider how it could affect what is presented.
• Be aware that multiple perspectives may exist on the same issue.

Speakers or sources featured

• No specific speakers are identified.
• Mentioned sources/places:
  • Research Help Desks (for additional help).