Use this test - the CRAP Test - to make a decision about the value of the information you have found ...
| Currency |
Is it current enough for your topic? A general rule is to use resources published in the last 5 years. |
| Reliability |
Is the source reputable? Is it peer reviewed? Does the creator provide references? Do those references pass the CRAP test? |
| Authority |
Who is the creator or author? What are their qualifications? Are they an expert in the field? |
| Purpose |
Is it fact or opinion? Is it biased or balanced? Is the creator trying to sell you something? |
The type of domain provides you a hint as to the reliability of the website at which you are looking.
|
.edu (educational institution) .gov (government) |
These are more likely to be reliable and unbiased. |
|
.org (non-profit organisation) .asn (non-commercial organisation) |
Sometimes these organisations can be biased toward one side of an issue that is actually quite complex. |
|
.com (commercial site) .net (network) |
Try to avoid these sites as they are likely to be unreliable. .net is the domain given to any site that doesn't fit into the other domain categories. |
If you find a .com or .net site that you think is ok, look at the currency, reliability, authority and purpose to see if your suspicion is supported by evidence.
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
