Skip to Main Content

HIST032 - U.S. History I: Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Sources: CRAP Test

This test is designed to help you determine if a source is credible. Before you use a website, give it the CRAP test:

Currency

How recent is the information? Has the site been updated/maintained? How much does the date of the resource matter for your topic?

Reliability 

What kind of information is included? Is it biased or balanced? Does the resource give a citation or source material?

Authority

Can you determine the author, creator, or publisher? What are their credentials?

Purpose

Is the source fact or opinion? Is the domain regulated (only .edu & .gov)? How much of the site is ads? Do they relate to the information being presented? Why does the resource exist?

Not sure if a website is credible? Email your librarian (haley.benjamins@edcc.edu) for help!

24/7 Live Chat with a Librarian