Apply the CRAAP Test - Example 1
Here is an article retrieved from a library OneSearch search.
Currency
The article publication date is readily visible and it is a new article published in 2023. The article details also include the publication history of original study dates, submission for publication, and actual publication. It is very clearly spelled out.
Relevance
If I am studying the relationship between probiotics and mental health, I can assume it is relevant to my topic. There is an abstract which outlines the main thrust of the research and the introduction also tells me it is relevant. The index record also displays a long list of relevant subject terms associated with the article. This is a randomized controlled trial with a clearly spelled out methodology.
Authority
There are multiple authors and all their institutional affiliations are listed, all of which are reputable. The journal is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal. The names of the editor and reviewers are also listed.
Accuracy
There is a lot of detail in the article and the methods, procedures and discussion are highly detailed. Included are multiple charts, graphs, tables, and a three-page bibliography for further tracking. In addition, the authors have presented both strengths and limitations and were up front about any potential conflicts of interest with the authors and their professional affiliations.
Purpose
The article explains the background reason for pursuing the study and also includes a section on its implications. The purpose is clearly stated.
Conclusion: This article clearly meets the standards of the CRAAP test since it is current and authoritative and would be relevant for a study of probiotics and mental health.
Apply the CRAAP Test - Example 2
Here is a website article about probiotics and mental health.
Currency
The article is undated so I cannot be sure. In fact, the site itself does not have any information about when it was last updated. There are references to studies done in 2016 and 2019 so it is written within the past four years at least, but the publication date is unknown.
Relevance
The article reviews what probiotics are and addresses the brain-gut axis but the information provided is more surface information rather than in-depth information for a research assignment or dissertation.
Authority
At first glance, there is no author listed under the title so it is unclear. Upon scrolling to the bottom, there is an author bio. The author is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and there is a link to her LinkedIn profile. But she is also the marketing manager for the website which is a site that provides content but is full of advertising and demonstrates that is monetized. You can see affiliate ads all over the site. in fact, it is a .com website which is commercial. So the credentials are questionable.
Accuracy
The article does have four citations including some from scholarly sources but it appears to be a summary of general information. In this case, the citations which are hyperlinked are more valuable than the article itself and it would be important to read those reference articles to verify information.
Purpose
The article is written for the general public and for those with an interest in the topic, not for academic purposes. It is indirectly posted to sell the services of the website and earns money through all the advertising content. It also has links to several social media platforms to gain more followers. However, there is no direct evidence of bias or subjectivity.
Conclusion: This is a popular article intended for the general public and posted for the benefit of the company website and does not pass the CRAAP test for academic use.
