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Evaluating the reliability of websites is one of the most challenging aspects of conducting research for academic work. Follow the guidelines below to support your work. The most important thing to remember: in research, not all sources are created equal. Some are much better than others.
*The TRAAP Test is modified from The CRAAP Test, created by Sarah Blakeslee and the librarians at California State University's Meriam Library in 2004.
TiMELINESS
TiMELINESS
When was this information published?
Does the age of the information affect its accuracy?
Is there a more recent version that supports of refutes the original?
Are the links on the site functional?
RELEVANCE
RELEVANCE
What is the importance of this information to your research question? Does it answer your questions?
Is it written at an appropriate level to your work? Is it for a scholarly audience or the general public? Who is this source intended for?
Have you looked at a variety of similar sources before selecting this one?
Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research project?
AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
Where did this information come from?
Is the author or publisher clear? Can their credentials be identified?
Has this source been cited in other research?
Do you trust the source?
Does the URL reveal anything about the source (.gov, .edu, .org, .com...)?
ACCURACY
ACCURACY
Can this information be verified in other sources? Did you find these facts repeated across multiple sources?
Is there sufficient evidence to back up any claims the research is making?
What is the tone and language used? Does it have bias?
Are there any grammar or spelling mistakes?
PURPOSE
PURPOSE
Why was this information created?
Does it seek to provide facts or to persuade or sell you something?
Is there any evidence of political, religious, personal or institutional bias within the arguments?
Is the information objective and impartial? Is it fact-based, opinion, or propaganda?
ARE THEY RELIABLE? WHY? WHY NOT? WHO IS THE AUTHOR?
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