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PSYC 273: Psychology of/and Climate Change

A Library Course Guide for PSYC 273: Psychology of/and Climate Change Fall 2024 (FYC)

The CRAAP Test

The CRAAP Test is a list of questions designed to help you evaluate the nature and value of the information that you find. Use these as you read articles or other information sources.

Currency: the timeliness of information

  • When was the information published or posted? 
  • Has the information been revised or updated? 
  • Is the information current or out of date for your topic?
  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?

 

Authority: the source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? 
  • Are the author's organizational affiliations given? If yes, are they appropriate? (Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?) 
  • What are the author's qualifications to write about the topic? 
  • ​​​​​​​Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?

 

Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and validity of the content

  • Is the information supported by evidence? 
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed? 
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source? 
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased/is it free of emotion? 
  • Are there spelling or grammar errors, do links work? 

 

Purpose: the reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? 
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?  
  • Ιs the information a fact, an opinion or propaganda? 
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?