CRAAP Test: Purpose

Imagine that you're reading an article online — maybe even looking at a Byte. You may ask yourself:

Why did the author create this?

Knowing what the author, site, or sharer wants from you will help you decide what you should trust.

The purpose of a source is linked to what the author or sharer wants from you.

It can be clear and stated upfront. It's also possible that the information was shared to manipulate you into buying something, thinking, or acting a certain way, by sharing limited, biased, or falseinformation.

If you can't tell why someone might share something, you should look for other sources.

Look at:

• who the author is, their other work, and their reputation

• where the source is posted

• who shared the source

• the relationship between the author, site, and person who shared the source

Think about:

• why the author wrote this source

• which site posted this source

• who the author wants to reach

• what the author wants the audience to know, think, or do with the information they shared

• What does the author, site, or sharer want from me?

• How does the author, site, or sharer benefit from me using this source?

• Does this source's purpose match other sources like it?

• What biases do the author, site, and sharer have?

Determine why the information was shared and decide if it matches the stated intent. Think carefully to see what the author, site, and sharer believe.

Consider any conflicts. For instance, if you're reading about health information, does the website want to help you or do they want you to buy something that only they have?

Identify false or incomplete information. This can include when information that's one-sided, biased, limited, or omits critical details.

Before you trust a source, evaluate its purpose:

Checkout more Bytes on CRAAP test:

CRAAP Test: Currency

CRAAP Test: Relevance

CRAAP Test: Authority

CRAAP Test: Accuracy