evaluating sources: traap test
TRAAP is an evaluation tool which can help you assess the credibility of a source. TRAAP is an acronym which stands for Timeframe, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose.
Timeframe
- When was the information created, 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- Is the information current or out of date for your topic?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?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information at an appropriate level (e.g. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
- Does it seem credible?
- Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?
- Who is the creator and/or author and/or publisher and/or source and/or sponsor?
- Is there any information about the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
- Is the writer an expert on the subject? What are their qualifications?
- Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
- Where does the information come from?
- Are citations and references provided?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Does the language or tone seem objective and free of emotion?
- Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?
- Why do you trust it?
- What is the purpose of the information (e.g. to inform, teach, sell, entertain, persuade etc.)?
- Do the authors and/or sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Is the information fact, opinion and/or propaganda?
- Is it objective or biased?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
Source: https://uws-uk.libguides.com/evaluating_sources/craap_test#:~:text=TRAAP%20is%20an%20evaluation%20tool,is%20suitable%20for%20academic%20research.