Is it CRAP?
The CRAP test is a way to evaluate a source based on the following criteria: Currency, Reliability, Authority and Purpose/Point of View. Ask questions to help you think about how to measure each of the criteria.
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Purpose/Point of View
-- from LOEX 2008
CURRENCY
o How recent is the information?
o How recently has the website been updated?
o Is it current enough for your topic?
RELIABILITY
o What kind of information is included in the resource?
o Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is balanced?
o Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
AUTHORITY
o Who is the creator or author?
o What are the credentials?
o Who is the published or sponsor?
o Are they reputable?
o What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
o Are there advertisements on the website?
PURPOSE/POINT OF VIEW
o Is this fact or opinion?
o Is it biased?
o Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?
How reliable is Wikepedia?
- Biggest Blunders in Wikipedia HistoryWikipedia can be a great site for students who need a quick reference on history, pop culture or even politics. But its reputation as an authoritative research resource is doubted by college professors and other experts who deter students from quoting Wikipedia in their papers. One reason is that a lot of the information on Wikipedia is either incomplete or downright false. Because anyone can technically edit or contribute to Wikipedia, the site is vulnerable to hackers and vandalism.