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 website domain gives you an idea of the reliability of a website:
.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 may show a bias toward one side of a topic. |
.com (commercial site) .net (network) |
Critically evaluate these sites as they may be unreliable.
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This short video (3:17) will show you how to apply the CRAP Test to information ...
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