The T.R.A.A.P. Test
Evaluate Sources Based on the Following Criteria:
Timeliness, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose/Point of View
- Timeliness
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated? When? Recently?
- Is it current enough for your topic?
- Relevance
- Does the information relate to your topic?
- Does the information meet the stated requirements of the assignment?
- Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Who is the intended audience?
- What kind of information is included in the resource?
- Is better information available elsewhere?
Accuracy
- Is the information accurate?
- Are there spelling, grammar or other typographical errors?
- Where does the information come from?
- Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
- Authority
- Who is the creator or author?
- What are the credentials or qualifications to write on the topic?
- Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable?
- Is there contact information, such as publisher or email address?
- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? (examples: .com, .edu, .org, .net, .gov)
- Purpose/Point of View
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- What is the purpose of the information? To inform? Teach? Sell? Entertain? Persuade?
- Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
(Adapted from various versions in the LibGuides Community, infoLab, and California State University, Chico)
