Skip to Main Content
Lansing Community College Library

Evaluating Sources: Checklist Methods

Methods for evaluating information

Checklist Methods

Checklist methods are a common way to evaluate information. This method usually offers an acronym with a list of questions for evaluating information. The CRAAP Test is a popular checklist method commonly used to evaluate websites and online sources, but can be applied to all types of information. Be aware that sometimes unreliable information can pass the CRAAP test and they can be time consuming to use. 

The CRAAP Test

Doing the CRAAP test requires answering a series of questions; some you might ask and answer without much thought, others require more investigation. 

Currency
How new (or old) is the information? 
Is the information out of date for your topic?
Relevance
Does the information address your topic, thesis and supporting arguments? 
Is it at an appropriate level (i.e not too elementary or too advanced?)
Authority
Who wrote the information? Individual or institution? Are they credible?
Are the author's credentials or qualifications given?
Is there author's contact information?
Accuracy
Is the information consistent with other sources? 
Does the information seem biased?
Are there spelling or grammar mistakes?
Purpose
Why was the information created? To persuade? To educate? To entertain? To sell something? A mix of these?
Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions clear?
Are there political, cultural, institutional or personal biases and opinions?

Tips for Website Evaluation

Checklists methods can be helpful when evaluating information, but sometimes unreliable information can pass the test. Remember these tips when using a checklist to evaluating information.

  • Slick looking websites and logos are the result of good web designers and don't always equal credible information.
  • Citations and footnotes are good to note, but can disguise bad information.
  • About Us Pages only tell you what the company or organization wants you to know. 
  • Political agendas and bias often skew the information being presented and are often missed with checklist methods.
  • Trust your instincts and your emotions when reading or viewing information. If something seems off or you feel angered by something, move on and find another source of information. 

CRAAP Test Controversy

Some, like digital literacy scholar Mike Caulfield, argue that the CRAAP test has proven to be less useful than we thought. Below is more information about how the CRAAP test was developed and why we might question its effectiveness.