The CRAAP test is a list of simple questions you can ask to help you evaluate literature resource items.
You should select questions which are relevant to the type or resource you are evaluating.
Click on a button to see a list of questions.
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?
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
Who is the intended audience? Is it academic or popular?
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?
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
Is it published in a Scholarly or Popular journal?
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
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?
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?
Click here to take the CRAAP test
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Popular vs. Scholarly
Popular Journals
Scholarly Journals
Appearance
Usually colourful, with articles that have illustrations and photographs
Articles generally contain fewer photos but, often include technical diagrams, graphs, charts, etc.
Purpose
To entertain and inform the general public
To present or report on research in a particular area
Scope
Articles tend to be shorter and, present an overview of a topic rather than going into detail. As a result popular journal articles may be useful as introductory background reading on a subject
Articles are longer and provide an in-depth look at a particular aspect of a topic. There is often an abstract (or summary) of the article at the beginning
Language
Generally language is non-technical and doesn't assume prior knowledge of the subject
Often includes specialist or technical language, assuming some prior subject knowledge
Author
The authors are often journalists with little specialist knowledge of he subject. There is usually no reference to the author's credentials
Authors are usually experts in the subject area. They are often associated with an institution or organisation in the relevant field. The authors credentials are listed
Research
Usually based on background reading and interviews rather than original research
Presents or reports original research
References
Sources of information are not cited
Sources of information are cited in a reference list
Peer Reviewed
Popular journal articles are not peer reviewed
Articles in peer reviewed scholarly journals are reviewed before publication by the author's peers (i.e. other experts in the same subject field)
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