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Homeland Security

A Library Subject Guide

Evaluating Sources using the CRAAP Method

After you retrieve a list of resources, it is important to evaluate any source you are interested in using to determine the quality of the information provided in the source. Common evaluation criteria include currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. The use of these criteria in evaluating research resource is sometimes called the CRAAP method. See the chart below for a more in-depth explanation of what to look for in each resource.

Infographic of the "CRAAP" Method. Text reads CRAAP Method: Currency - When was it published? Is the information still current? Is it outdated? Relevancy - Is the information in the article related to your topic? Is it written at an appropriate academic level? Authority - What are the authors' credentials? Are they authorities on the topic? Experts in the field? Who is the publisher? Accuracy - Is the information reliable and is there data to support the argument? Is the information peer-reviewed? Purpose - What is the purpose of the source? Is the information presented objectively or is there bias? Are the authors presenting facts or opinions?

CRAAP Method:

  • Currency - When was it published? Is the information still current? Is it outdated?
  • Relevancy - Is the information in the article related to your topic? Is it written at an appropriate academic level?
  • Authority - What are the authors' credentials? Are they authorities on the topic? Experts in the field? Who is the publisher?
  • Accuracy - Is the information reliable and is there data to support the argument? Is the information peer-reviewed?
  • Purpose - What is the purpose of the source? Is the information presented objectively or is there bias? Are the authors presenting facts or opinions?

 

Evaluating Sources