Is it CRAP?
The C.R.A.P 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?