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College Success: Research

Test taking skills, learning strategies, effective note taking, critical thinking and other skills to help make your college career a sucess

Evaluating Resources with the C.R.A.A.P. Test

It is a way to evaluate any type of information. The acronym stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. This method was originally created by Sarah Blakeslee of UC-Chico's Meriam Library.  

Currency

  • What is the publication date?
  • Does the source include recent information?
  • Are the references or sources provided current?
  • Does currency matter for the topic? Why or why not?

Relevance

  • How does it relate to your topic?
  • Who is the intended audience of the resource?
  • What aspects of your research are answered by this source?

Authority

  • Who is the author/publisher/organization/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials/qualifications?
  • Has the author published on this topic before?

Accuracy

  • Is the information suported by evidence?
  • Has it been reviewed/refereed (scholarly article)?
  • Are there spelling or grammar errors?

Purpose

  • What is the purpose of the information (educational or informative)?
  • Is the information factual or an opinion?
  • How does this source compare to other literature?

The A-B-C Method for Health information:

In the medical field, medical practitioners use peer-reviewed journals which go through an extensive process where the experts (peers) in the relevant field examine the author's work.

A - Accurate & Authoritative

Are they a credible organization in the field?

B - Bias

Is there a product they are selling? A specific political view they are advocating?

C - Current & Confidential 

Does the information have a date and are they asking for your information?

 

How To Find Reliable Health Information Online by the National Library of Medicine

Consortium of Education Affiliates Libraries http://libguides.yourlrc.info