How to avoid bias when using the CRAAP Test

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 📅 Currency: Check when the information was published or updated. Is it recent enough for your topic?
• 🎯 Relevance: Does the information directly relate to your topic? Is it appropriate for your audience?
• 👨‍💼 Authority: Who is the author or publisher? Are they an expert on the subject?
• 🎯 Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence? Can you verify it with other sources?
• 🤔 Purpose: Why was the information created? Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something? Be aware of potential biases.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the MOST important factor to consider when evaluating the currency of a source?
   1. A) The number of pages in the document.
   2. B) The date the information was published or updated.
   3. C) The font used in the document.
   4. D) The author's name.
2. When assessing relevance, you should primarily consider:
   1. A) How visually appealing the source is.
   2. B) Whether the information directly relates to your research question.
   3. C) The length of the source.
   4. D) The number of citations the source has.
3. What is the primary purpose of checking the authority of a source?
   1. A) To determine if the source is free to use.
   2. B) To evaluate the author's or publisher's expertise on the subject.
   3. C) To find out the author's contact information.
   4. D) To assess the source's popularity.
4. Which question BEST addresses the accuracy aspect of the CRAAP test?
   1. A) Is the information presented in an organized manner?
   2. B) Is the information supported by evidence and verifiable through other sources?
   3. C) Does the source have a catchy title?
   4. D) Is the author a well-known figure?
5. When evaluating the purpose of a source, what should you be MOST aware of?
   1. A) The source's color scheme.
   2. B) Potential biases that may influence the information presented.
   3. C) The number of images in the source.
   4. D) The source's file size.
6. Which of the following is an example of confirmation bias when using the CRAAP test?
   1. A) Carefully considering all aspects of a source before making a judgment.
   2. B) Seeking out sources that confirm your existing beliefs and ignoring contradictory evidence.
   3. C) Consulting multiple experts to get diverse opinions.
   4. D) Using a checklist to ensure you evaluate all criteria objectively.
7. How can you mitigate bias when assessing the 'Authority' of a source?
   1. A) Only consider sources from well-known institutions.
   2. B) Blindly trust sources that agree with your opinion.
   3. C) Research the author's background and credentials critically, looking for evidence of expertise rather than prestige.
   4. D) Assume that any source with a .org domain is unbiased.