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COMM 1315 Public Speaking for Lamar University

The CRAAP Test

The Craap Test

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

  •  When was the information published or posted?  
  •  Has the information been revised or updated?  
  •  Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?  
  •  Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.  

  •  Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?  
  •  Who is the intended audience?  
  •  Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? 
  •  Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?  
  •  Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?  

Authority: The source of the information.

  •  Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?  
  •  What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?  
  •  Is the author qualified to write on the topic?  
  •  Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?  
  •  Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net  

Accuracy: The 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 unbiased and free of emotion? 
  •  Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?  

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

  •  What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?  
  •  Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?  
  •  Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?  
  •  Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?  
  •  Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?