Overview
This lecture explains the CRAP Test, a method for evaluating the credibility and validity of website information using the criteria: Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose.
The CRAP Test Overview
- CRAP stands for Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose.
- This framework helps determine if a website’s information is credible and valid.
Currency
- Check how recent the information is by finding a publication date on the article or URL.
- Look for the last website update, usually found at the bottom of the page.
- Test if links work; broken links may indicate outdated content.
- Decide if the source’s currency matches your topic’s needs; fast-changing fields require very recent data.
Reliability
- Examine the type of information: fact-based or opinion-based (watch for “I think” or “In my opinion”).
- Check if the author provides data, charts, graphs, or quotations with references.
- Reliable sites list sources or give links to data, images, or claims.
- Without references, information accuracy cannot be confirmed.
Authority
- Identify the website creator and check if the site title matches the URL.
- Trusted sites often end with .gov (government) or .edu (education).
- .com, .net, and .org can be purchased by anyone and require further checking.
- Look for the author's name and credentials, typically near the article title or in a bio.
Purpose
- Consider why the site exists (inform, sell, persuade, entertain).
- Sites with excessive ads or short, click-driven content may prioritize profit over accuracy.
- If the site encourages purchases, information could be biased.
Key Terms & Definitions
- CRAP Test — A method for evaluating website credibility using Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose.
- Currency — How recently the information or site was updated.
- Reliability — The trustworthiness and accuracy of the information and whether it is supported by data and references.
- Authority — The credibility of the website’s source and author.
- Purpose — The reason the website was created and whether it has potential biases.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice using the CRAP Test on websites you visit.
- Ask a librarian for help if you have questions.