CRAAP Analysis
When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it. . . but is it accurate and reliable? You will have to determine this for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to determine if the information you have is reliable. Please keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need. So, what are you waiting for? Is your web site credible and useful, or is it a bunch of . . .?!
How to Judge What you Find on the Web
Authority
Who wrote the material? What are their credentials? What is the agenda? Can you find more info on the author? Are the sources cited?
Review Process
No editor means authors can write whatever they want.
Full Article
Are all charts, graphs and footnotes included?
Dated
Is the site dated so you know it is current? Does currency matter for this topic?
Haystack
Are you finding an overwhelming amount of material? Are there efficiet ways to limit the results?
Permanency
Will you be able to find this site again in a week or two?
Cost
Do you have to pay to get the full text?
Scholarly vs. Popular Periodicals
Click above to link to 3-minute tutorial created by Vanderbilt University Library