Research Guides: EARTH_102-6: Sustainability and Social Justice (Horton): Evaluating Sources

ACT UP Evaluation Criteria

Consider these criteria as you review search results and select sources for your research. These work for all formats (websites, articles, books, videos, and more).

Evaluating Sources Using the CRAAP Test

Use the CRAAP Test below to evaluate books, articles, websites and other materials. It works for all information formats and also happens to be a great mnemonic device!

Criteria	Questions to Ask
Currency	Does your topic require current information? If so, when was the source written and published? Has the information been revised or updated recently?
Relevance	Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Who is the intended audience? Is the level too elementary or advanced for your needs?
Authority	Who is the author (person, company, or organization) and what are the author's credentials and affiliations? If a website, does the URL provide insight? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy	Where does the information come from? Can the information be verified through another source? Has the information been reviewed? Is there a bibliography?
Purpose	What is the reason for the source's existence? To inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade? Who is the intended audience? Does the point of view appear objective or biased?

Adapted from Evaluating Information - Applying the CRAAP Test from the Meriam Library at California State University, Chico