The C.R.A.

P Test

Analyzing Websites

K. Lepkowski September 2011

Gananda MS
 How to tell if a website is...

a good source for your research

C.R.A.P. Test

Currency
 When was it created? (look for © at the bottom)
 When was it updated?
 Are there dead links?
 Is the information current enough for your
research?

Example: Acne App

C.R.A.P. Test

Reliability
 Does the author present facts (using
evidence/research) or opinions?
 Are there sources listed for quotations and
data?
 How balanced is the information?

Example: Tobacco Addiction

C.R.A.P.
Authority
 Who is the author of the page?
 What proof do you see the author is an expert?
 Look for “About Me”
 If no author, what organization is connected to it?
 What makes the organization an expert?
 Look for “About Us” or “Contact Us”
 What is the URL domain?

Example: Diet Pills

URL Domains
 .com companies, or online services like AOL.com
 .edu educational groups/colleges/universities
 .gov U.S. government agencies
 .net networks/Internet Service Providers
(frontier.net)
 .mil U.S. military
 .org noncommercial organizations (spca.org)
C.R.A.P.

Purpose/Point of View
 Do you see facts with evidence (research) or
opinions?
 Is the information biased? (prejudiced)
 How much of the website features ads?
 Are the advertisements connected to the
webpage information?
 Is the author trying to sell you something?
Example: FatFoe Pads
Now it’s your turn to use ...

The C.R.A.P. Test

Currency
Reliability
Authority
Purpose/Point of View
 My Sources

http://loex2008collaborate.pbworks.com/The+
CRAP+Test

http://www.landmark.edu/Library/course_guide
s/C.R.A.P.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Jch3JNJ8lco