Biology Overview

C.A.A.R.P. TEST
DOES THIS RESOURCE SMELL A LITTLE FISHY?

Picking the right sources is a key step to creating a high-quality research paper or presentation. Choosing resources is easier when you evaluate them with the C.A.A.R.P. guidelines.

Currency:
Currency guidelines vary depending on the topic. A literary analysis from five years ago may still be relevant, but a science research article published at the same time may be out of date.

• When was the information written or posted?
• Has the information been revised or reposted?
• Is this resource timely for your topic?
• Are there newer resources that are more appropriate?

Authority:
Authority is contextual. A good author for one topic may not be an expert in a different topic.

• Who is responsible for this information? Is there an identified person or organization?
• Is the author an expert on this particular topic?
• What are the author’s qualifications and affiliations?
• Can you independently verify (e.g., do an internet search) the author’s credentials?

Accuracy:
The information should be correct and verifiable.

• Does the resource provide citations?
• Can you verify the information in the resource from the citations or other sources?
• Is the resource peer-reviewed?
• Do the information and tone seem unbiased and free from emotion?

Relevance:
The resource fits your topic and is written to the right audience.

• Is the information about your topic? Does it support your thesis?
• Have you looked at a variety of other resources before deciding which ones are the best fit?
• Who is the intended audience for this resource?
• Is the resource written at the right level (e.g., the coverage is not too shallow or too in-depth)?

Purpose:
The purpose is the reason the information exists.

• Is the purpose of the information to inform, teach, entertain, persuade, or sell?
• Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
• Is the information objective or biased?

These guidelines have been adapted from the Meriam Library at California State University.