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Information Literacy Content

Here you will find information literacy content for use in courses or assignments. Concepts such as research, evaluating sources, citation, and library navigation are covered.

checklist with "SIFT framework, CCOW framework, and CRAAPO framework" written on it

Evaluation Methods & Frameworks

In this section you will find information on how to:

  • Define source credibility, currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose

  • Identify tools to support source analysis

Frameworks for Source Evaluation

There are a lot of different information literacy frameworks you can use for source evaluation--this lesson spotlights three of these methods: 

  • the SIFT method (created by Mike Caulfield)
  • the CCOW method (created by Anthony Tardiff from Foley Library at Gonzaga University)
  • the CRAAPO method (created as the CRAAP method by Sarah Blakeslee at the University of California at Chico, Meriam Library)

Check out the videos and infographics below for guidance on how and when to use these frameworks!

Evaluating Sources Using the SIFT Method Video

In this short video, you’ll learn how to evaluate web sources effectively using the SIFT Method—Stop and Reflect, Investigate the Source, Find Reliable Coverage, and Trace the Claim.

The SIFT information presented has been adapted from materials by Mike Caulfield with a CC BY 4.0  This link opens in a new window license.

 

Evaluating Sources with CCOW Video

The CCOW information presented has been adapted from the original work This link opens in a new window by Anthony Tardiff from Foley Library at Gonzaga University. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 This link opens in a new window License.

Evaluating Sources Using CRAAPO Test Video

 

The C.R.A.A.P.O. information presented has been adapted from the original C.R.A.A.P. content by Sarah Blakeslee from the University of California at Chico, Meriam Library. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 This link opens in a new window License. 

What is C.R.A.A.P.O.?

C.R.A.A.P.O. is an acronym for the primary criteria you want to use when evaluating sources. It stands for:

Use the tabs on this box for more information about each criteria. Keep in mind that most of these criteria apply to evaluating websites as well, but websites may have some additional criteria to consider such as domain and functionality. Visit the What About Websites? page for more details.

Check out the Source Evaluation Rubric for a step-by-step evaluation tool.

The C.R.A.A.P. Test was created by Sarah Blakeslee (University of California at Chico, Meriam Library). With her permission, this content was based off her original text This link opens in a new window with some modification.

C.R.A.A.P.O. Term Definitions

Term Definitions
Term Definition
Currency
  • When was the information created or last updated?
  • Date should be prominently displayed.
  • For electronic sources -- are links functional on site?*
Relevancy
  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (not too simple/not too advanced)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research project?
Authority
  • Who is the author?
  • Is the author the original creator of the information?
  • Are the author's occupation, education, or other credentials listed?
  • Who are the author’s organizational affiliations?
  • For websites -- what does the URL reveal about the author or source, i.e. .com, .org, .edu, .gov?*
Accuracy
  • Is the information verifiable?
  • Is it accurate?
  • Are their resources documented?
  • What does this source offer compared to other resources?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?
  • Is the language or tone unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Can you verify the information in another source?
  • Is the information crowd sourced or vulnerable to changes by other authors, i.e. Wikipedia or other public wiki?*
Purpose
  • What appears to be the purpose of the information -- to inform, teach, sell, entertain, public services, or persuade?
  • Is the information biased?
  • Are there any advertisements?
  • Why is the author/creator providing this information?
Objectivity
  • What institution (company, organization, government, university, etc.) supports this information?
  • Does the institution appear to exercise quality control over the information appearing under its name?
  • Does the author's affiliation with this particular institution appear to bias the information?
  • Is there advertising and does it affect the content and message of the source?