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Counseling Adolescents YMN320 : Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Sources using the CRAAP test

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  • Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?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?

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?

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)

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

  • 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?

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?

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. 

Research & Data Children and Family in the Church

The Barna Group

The family/kids section of the Barna Group website contains information from a variety of surveys and statistics related to this demographic. 

Scholarly Associations

American Psychological Association - Topics  Alphabetical listing of topics related to psychology 

American Psychiatric Association - Parents & Families  Listing of resources geared towards parents, families, and caregivers on mental health topics.

National Institute of Mental Health - Topics  Resources geared towards parents, families, and caregivers. 

American Counseling Association not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession.

National center for health statistics faststats: mental health Center for disease control and prevention

World Health Organization: Mental Health Atlas Mental health promotion and the prevention of mental, neurological and substance use disorders.