One of the big challenges when looking at information sources is deciding whether or not something is CRAP!
When looking at information sources, use the CRAP test to evaluate your source. It's a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. These criteria work equally well with printed material, electronic resources, or social media.
The MORE of these elements your source has, the less likely it is to be CRAP!
- Currency
- 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?
- If your source is a website, do all the links work? If not, the page may be out-of-date.
- Reliability
- What kind of information is included in the resource?
- Is the content of the resource primarily opinion? Is it balanced or biased?
- Does the author provide references or sources for data or quotations?
- Was it peer reviewed?
- Authority
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- What are the credentials (education, affiliation, experience, etc.)?
- Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
- Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
- If your source is a website, does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (e.g. .com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net)
- Purpose/Point of View
- 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?
- Is the author/creator presenting fact or opinion?
Lastly, is your information source relevant? Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Adapted from English 314: Technical Communications class guide, by Iowa State University Library. Available: https://instr.iastate.libguides.com/ENGL314
