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Church & Ministry Leadership: Web Sources/Evaluating Sources

Materials for MA concentration in Children and Family Ministry

CRAAP Test- Evaluating resources

CRAAP TEST WORKSHEET 

Use the following worksheet to help you evaluate your sources. Score each of the main categories 1 to 10 (1 = Worst; 10 = Best). Check your scores with the key at the bottom.

Currency: the timeliness of the 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  • Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
  • Are the links functional?

Score:________

Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Score:________

Authority: the source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? For example:
    • .com (commercial)
    • .edu (educational)
    • .gov (U.S. government)
    • .org (nonprofit organization)
    • .net (network)

Score:________

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

  • Where does the information come from?
  • 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 biased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Score:________

Purpose: the reason the information exists 

  • What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • 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?

Score:________

 

 Total:________

45-50 Excellent

40-44 Good

 35-39 Average

 30-34 Borderline Acceptable

 Below 30 Unacceptable

Note: all credit for the CRAAP test goes to the librarians who developed it at Meriam Library at CSU Chico. 

Associations

American Academy of Religion The Academy is dedicated to furthering knowledge of religion and religious institutions in all their forms and manifestations. Their mission is to promote reflection through excellence in scholarship and teaching in the field of religion.

American Theological Library Association A professional association providing support of theological and religious studies libraries and librarians

Evangelical Theological Society A professional, academic society of Biblical scholars, teachers, pastors, students, and others involved in evangelical scholarship

Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) Society devoted to the critical investigation of the Bible from a variety of academic disciplines

Websites & Podcasts

ARDA (Association of Religion Data Archives) - "A collection of surveys, polls, and other data submitted by researchers and made available online by the ARDA.

Atla LibGuide on Religion - "The Atla Websites on Religion LibGuide is a growing, selective, annotated collection of web resources for the study of religion."

Abbreviations in Theology and Biblical Studies - Abbreviations and acronyms for theological journals and Biblical Commentaries

Desiring God - Christian resources for knowing God and finding satisfaction in Him.

Christian Classics Ethereal Library - Full text of a variety of Christian classic works.

Christianity.com - Offers biblically-based content around four content areas - Christian Foundations, Christian Living, Community and Bible Study Tools.

Gospel Coalition - "A fellowship of evangelical churches in the Reformed tradition deeply committed to renewing our faith in the gospel of Christ and to reforming our ministry practices to conform fully to the Scriptures."

Internet Christian Library - A collection of "classical" Christian materials available on the internet.

Operation World - "The purpose of Operation World is to inform and inspire God’s people to prayer and action in order to change the world." It gives statistical data on countries of the world and current information to assist Christians in prayer and helpful activity on its behalf.

Religious Studies Web Guide - Free internet resources of use to researchers involved in the academic study of religion.

 

Research & Data

The Barna Group: The Barna Group website contains information from a variety of surveys and statistics related to this demographic. 

Association of Religion Data Archives: U.S. and global religious statistics. A project from several departments and colleges at Penn State.

Pew Research Center Reports on Religion: "Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world"