Psychology Databases

The C.R.A.A.P. Test

Evaluate Sources Based on the Following Criteria:

Currency

• How recent is the information?
• How recently has the website been updated?
• Is it current enough for your topic?

Relevance

• What kind of information is included in the resource?
• Is content of the resource primarily opinion?  Is is balanced?
• Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?

Authority

• Who is the creator or author?
• What are the credentials?
• Who is the published or sponsor?
• Are they reputable?
• What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
• Are there advertisements on the website?

Accuracy

• Does the information seem too good to be true?
• Are there are other sources that make similar claims, statements, and conclusions?
• Does the source have information on the author?
• Does the source have a lot of citations? 

Purpose/Point of View

• Is this fact or opinion?
• Is it biased?
• Is the creator/author trying to sell you something? 

(adapted from LOEX 2008 wiki)