Skip to Main Content

International Marketing

Is the Information Reliable?

When you do any kind of research, you will find there is a LOT of information out there. But is the information accurate and reliable?

You will have to determine this for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help.

The CRAAP Test is a list of questions you can ask yourself to determine if information is reliable.

What is a Scholarly Source?

Video courtesy of Carnegie Vincent Library at Lincoln Memorial University.

CRAAP Test

letter-currency
  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
  • If it is a website, are the links functional?
Letter-Relevance
  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?
leter-authority
  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (for example, .edu, .org, .net, .gov)
letter-accuracy
  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
letter-purpose
  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Questions courtesy of the Meriam Library @ California State University, Chico