Dr. Daniel A. Sabol
Modules
Grade 7
🔎Evaluating Sources

The CRAAP Test

Apply the CRAAP criteria — Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose — to evaluate any source.

11 min 3 quiz questions Grade 7
A Framework for Evaluation

The CRAAP Test gives you five criteria to apply to any source. It is not a perfect formula — judgment is still required — but it provides a systematic starting point.

The Five CRAAP Criteria

Currency:How recent is the information? Is it up to date for your topic? Some fields change rapidly; others are more stable.
Relevance:Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Is it appropriate for your audience and purpose?
Authority:Who created the information? What are their credentials? Is the source published by a reputable organization?
Accuracy:Is the information supported by evidence? Are claims cited? Can you verify the information in other sources?
Purpose:Why was this information created? To inform, persuade, sell, entertain, or mislead? Understanding purpose reveals potential bias.

Applying CRAAP in Practice

When you find a source, work through each criterion. A source might score well on authority but poorly on currency. A source might be accurate but not relevant to your specific question. The CRAAP Test helps you make a holistic judgment rather than accepting or rejecting a source based on one factor alone.

Example Evaluation

A 2008 medical article from a peer-reviewed journal: Currency (low — medicine changes fast), Relevance (depends on topic), Authority (high — peer-reviewed), Accuracy (high — evidence-based), Purpose (high — to inform). Overall: useful for historical context but verify with more recent sources.

No Source Is Perfect

Every source has limitations. The goal is not to find a perfect source but to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the sources you use and account for them in your work.

Ready to test your knowledge?

3 questions · Grade 7 level

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