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IB Chemistry: Polymers: CRAP Evaluation

C.R.A.P. Test

Currency

  • When was the information created?
  • Can you find a copyright date on the website or figure out the last time it was updated?
  • Does your research question depend upon up-to-date information?

Reliability

  • Are there links or references on the page? Do the links work?
  • What kind of information is included in the website? Facts? Analysis? Opinions?
  • Based on what you know, is it accurate?
  • Can you verify the information in another source?

Authority

  • Can you determine who the author/creator is?  
  • Is there an "About" or "Contact" link?
  • Are they an expert?  How can you tell?
  • Who is the publisher or sponsor of the site?
  • Does the website URL reveal anything about the author or the source? (.com / .edu / gov / .org / .net, etc.)

Purpose / Point of View

  • Can you tell why the information was published?
  • Can you detect any political, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal bias?
  • Are there ads on the website?
  • Can you tell the intended audience of this site?