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Grace Christian Research Guide: Evaluating Sources

A guide to help Grace Christian students working on their English class research assignments.

Strategies for Reading a Scholarly Source

Consider the audience

  • Title of the article, title of the journal it appears in, and general topic can all give an idea of the audience

Look at the architecture

  • The title
  • The abstract
  • Introduction (provides a roadmap for the article)
  • Section Headings
  • Conclusion

After looking at these elements, can you share the main idea of the article?

Anatomy of a Scholarly Article

  • This is an example of a scientific article, but much of this still applies.

("Anatomy of a Scholarly Article" by NCSU Libraries" is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US DEED)

CRAAP Test: Printable Version

Evaluating Sources: The CRAAP Test

When you search for information, you're going to find lots of it . . . but is it good information? You will have to determine that for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need.                                                          

Evaluation Criteria 

Currency: The timeliness of the information.  

  • 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?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.  

  • 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?  

Authority: The source of the information.   

  • 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?  

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.  

  • Where does the information come from? Is it supported by evidence?  
  • Has the source undergone peer review?  
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?  

Purpose: The reason the information exists. 

  • What is the purpose of the information? Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions/purpose clear?  
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?  
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial, or is there bias (political, cultural, religious, institutional, personal etc.)?

Adapted by Jennifer Switzer from “Evaluating Information—Applying the CRAAP Test” by Meriam Library licensed under CC BY 4.0 International License.

The CRAAP Method was developed by Meriam Library at California State University.