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The C.R.A.A.P. Test Explained

Use the CRAAP test questions to help determine the reliability of resources. The questions will encourage you locate and analyze essential information about the resource so you can make an  informed decision about the source. Many of the questions can also help you write the bibliography  entry for the resource, making it easier to cite the source correctly.

 

Evaluation Category Related Questions
C - Currency
(Current)
  • WHEN was it created? 
  • Is it CURRENT ENOUGH to be reliable for the task?
R - Relevancy
(RelevanT2)
  • Is it the right TYPE of resource for the task? (Genre? Format?)
  • Is it on the right TOPIC for the task? 

A - Authority 
(AUTHORity)
  • WHO created it? (Author? Publisher? Group/Organization?)
  • Why can you TRUST them on this topic?  
    • (Background check? Experience? History? Reputation? Education?)

 

A - Accuracy 
(aCCuracy)
  • How CORRECT is the information? (How well does it fact-check?)
  • How COMPLETE is the information?
    • (Enough depth/detail? Bias?  Limited or Multiple Perspective(s)?)

 
P - Purpose
  • What is the AUTHOR’S GOAL for the resource?  
  • What could the AUTHOR GAIN if readers buy-into the resource?
  • How could the goals and gains affect the reliability of the information? 

 

Hot Research Tips:  

  • ∙ Write the bibliography entry for the resource as soon as you know it passes the CRAAP test. Much of the information you need to write the bibliography entries relate to the CRAAP test  questions/answers. 
  • ∙ Keep the notes about the source with its bibliography entry. This will save you a lot of time!!

 

 

 

 

☺ A Media Literacy Handout from your helpful Belgrade High School Librarians, 2021 ☺