Evaluating information

You can improve the quality of your assessment and boost your marks by using credible information. But how can you tell if the resources you've found are credible and suitable for your assessment?

Using the CRAP test

Information comes in all shapes, sizes and quality, and from many different sources. One of the best skills you can gain is the ability to evaluate information quality. You want to make sure the information you use in your assessments comes from reliable sources that are fit for purpose.

The CRAP (Currency, Reliability, Authority, Purpose) test can help you quickly and easily evaluate any piece of information.

Using the test

Ask yourself

  • When was the information published?
  • Does currency matter for this topic?
  • Is it current enough for your topic?
  • When was the webpage last updated?

Example

History of educational theories - older resources may be appropriate.

vs

Social media in education - older resources may not be appropriate.

Ask yourself

  • Who published the information?
  • Is the source reputable? Is it peer reviewed?
  • Does the creator provide references and are those references credible?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Example

A satirical news website (e.g. Betoota Advocate).

vs

A not for profit media group sourcing content from academics and researchers (e.g. The Conversation).

Ask yourself

  • Who is the creator or author? Sources without an author may be less credible
  • What are their qualifications, affiliations and experience?
  • Are they an expert in the field?

Example

An article written by a self-appointed expert that appears on a blog.

vs

A peer reviewed article written by a team of university academics.

Ask yourself

  • Why was the information published and who is the intended audience?
  • Is the creator trying to sell, inform, entertain, persuade?
  • Is it fact or opinion?
  • Is it biased or balanced?

Example

A webpage on diabetes from a pharmacy company that produces drugs to treat diabetes. They may have a vested interest.

vs

Diabetes information from a government website such as Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW). They have no vested interest.

Learn how to identify fake news

Peer review

Peer review is a process that aims to ensure the integrity and quality of published research. Articles published in peer reviewed journals are reviewed by other subject experts to check they are:

  • accurate
  • well-researched
  • contributing to the body of knowledge in the field.

You can check if a journal is peer reviewed by using the Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory. Remember to search for the journal name, not the article title.

Other useful information

A-Z databases

Find the best library databases for your research.

Learn more

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