How Library Stuff Works: How to Evaluate Resources (the CRAAP Test)

Summary

This video explains the CRAAP test, a useful method for evaluating sources. CRAAP stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Each criterion helps assess whether a source is reliable and appropriate for academic research. Currency refers to the publication date; relevance focuses on how the source relates to the topic and audience; authority looks at the author's credentials; accuracy ensures the source is supported by evidence; and purpose considers the potential bias of the source. Following these guidelines will help ensure the sources used in research are credible and suitable.

Takeaways

• 😀 CRAAP stands for five key criteria for evaluating sources: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.
• 📅 Currency refers to the publication or update date of the source, which is important for assessing how current the information is.
• 🔍 Relevance is about ensuring the source is related to your topic and appropriate for your intended audience, especially in academic contexts.
• 👨‍🏫 Authority checks the credentials of the author and publisher, verifying their qualifications and the legitimacy of the source.
• 📚 Accuracy involves ensuring the source is reliable, with claims supported by evidence and citing legitimate references.
• 🎯 Purpose assesses the author's intent, helping you determine if the source is biased or presenting only one side of an argument.
• 💡 All five CRAAP criteria (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose) work together to help you determine if a source is reliable.
• 🔄 Currency may or may not matter depending on your research topic, but it's important to check if the source is recent enough for your needs.
• 🔬 The relevance of a source includes evaluating its level of complexity and appropriateness for your research or assignment.
• ⚖️ When evaluating purpose, consider if the source is biased, if it has a hidden agenda, or if it's objective and balanced.
• 📈 As you gain more experience in research, the process of evaluating sources becomes easier and more intuitive.

Q & A

What does CRAAP stand for in evaluating sources?

CRAAP stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. These are the five criteria used to assess whether a source is appropriate for use in research.

Why is 'Currency' an important factor in evaluating a source?

Currency refers to the date when a source was created or last updated. It’s important because some topics require up-to-date information, while others may not need the most recent data.

What is meant by 'Relevance' when evaluating a source?

Relevance refers to how closely the information in a source is related to your research topic. It also considers whether the source is written at the right academic level and who the intended audience is.

How does 'Authority' play a role in evaluating a source?

Authority assesses who wrote and published the article. It’s important to know the credentials of the author and their affiliation with credible institutions to ensure the source is trustworthy.

What should you check to determine the 'Accuracy' of a source?

To determine accuracy, you should ensure that the claims in the source are supported by evidence. A legitimate source will often cite academic or reliable references to back up its information.

Why is it important to understand the 'Purpose' of a source?

Understanding the purpose helps to identify any potential bias in the source. It’s important to assess whether the author is presenting information objectively or promoting a particular agenda.

How does evaluating sources using the CRAAP method help with research?

The CRAAP method provides a structured way to assess the credibility of sources, ensuring that the information used in research is reliable, relevant, and authoritative.

What type of sources should be cited for ensuring 'Accuracy'?

For accuracy, sources should cite academic materials or other credible references, such as peer-reviewed articles or reputable institutions, to support their claims.

How can the 'Relevance' of a source be assessed in relation to your research topic?

The relevance of a source can be assessed by determining whether the content directly addresses your research question, if it’s written at the appropriate academic level, and whether it is aimed at the right audience.

What role does 'Currency' play in the relevance of a source?

Currency helps ensure that the source contains the most up-to-date information, which is critical for research on fast-evolving topics. However, for historical or foundational topics, older sources may still be relevant.