The CRAPP Test, devised by Molly Beestrum of Columbia College Chicago, provides a method for evaluating web-based resources. Think about some of these questions when deciding on resources for your project.
Currency
- How recent is the information? Was it written in the last ____ (number) of years or when the event occurred?
- How recently was the website updated? Can you find a date for when the web page or site was created or updated?
- Is it current enough for your topic?
Reliability
- What kind of information is included on the website?
- Is the content verifiable fact? Or is it mostly opinion?
- Based on your research, is the information complete? Is it accurate?
- Does the author or creator provide sources for statistics, quotations, information?
Authority
- Who is the author?
- What are the author's credentials (education, affiliations, etc.)?
- Can you locate information about the author?
- Does the author or creator provide contact information?
- Who is the publisher or sponsor of the website?
- Is the publisher or sponsor reputable?
Purpose and Point of View
- Is the information balanced? Unbiased? Fact or opinion?
- What is the intended purpose of the site (to sell something, persuade)?
- What is the domain (.gov, .com, .edu, .org)? How might that influence the site's purpose?
- Is there advertising on the site? What does the advertising support? How does it relate to the topic of the website?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Who benefits from reading/using the site?
