Digital Literacy (Information Literacy) — CRAAP Test
Decision-Maker Standard
Decision-Maker Standard
Decision makers must be informed and capable of distinguishing information relevant to the decision at hand.
Internet Information
Internet Made Available
Fortunately, the internet has made more information available than ever before.
Real-Time Access
Real-Time Access
This allows for:
- Immediate access to information from a wide variety of sources
- Real-time updates as conditions change
Internet Caveats
Internet Caveats
However, because internet information is not regulated for quality and accuracy, it is particularly important to:
- Critically evaluate sources
- Consider the potential for inaccuracy or misinformation
CRAAP Test
CRAAP Test
To become a critical consumer and internet user, a common best practice is to apply the "CRAAP test," which is a list of questions to evaluate potential information.
CRAAP Acronym
CRAAP Acronym
The CRAAP acronym stands for:
- C — Currency
- R — Relevance
- A — Authority
- A — Accuracy
- P — Purpose
Currency (Timeliness)
Currency Questions
When was the information published or last updated?
- Have newer articles been published on the topic?
- Does your topic require recent information, or will older sources work as well?
Relevance (Importance for Your Needs)
Relevance Questions
Does the information answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e., not too simple, or overly technical for your needs)?
Authority (Source of Information)
Authority Questions
Who is the publisher or sponsor?
- What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
- Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
Accuracy (Reliability and Truthfulness)
Accuracy Questions
Is the information supported by evidence?
- Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published?
- Can you verify any of the information in other sources?
Purpose (Reason Information Exists)
Purpose Questions
Is the information intended to inform or teach? Or is it intended to sell, entertain, or persuade?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
Source Reliability
Source Reliability
In general, aim to rely on sources that have strong incentives to present accurate information.
Low-Stake Sources
Low-Stake Sources
There may be little consequence to the writer of a blog or message board post if they get facts wrong.
For-Profit Risk
For-Profit Risk
For-profit companies may purposely mislead in order to present their company and products positively.
Trusted Sources
Trusted Sources
However, information in newspaper articles or scientific papers is normally reliable; errors in these forums can seriously damage the author's reputation.