Using the CRAP test

I spend a great deal of time these days keeping up with the tsunami of information about SARS-CoV-2 (the virus) and COVID-19 (the illness), with a goal of sharing valid and useful information with others. I've taken to suggesting that people identify crap with the CRAP test:

 

Currency - the timeliness of the information:

● When was the information published or last updated?

● Have newer articles been published on your topic?

● Is your topic in an area that changes rapidly, like technology, health, science or popular culture?

 

Reliability - the accuracy of the information:

● Are there statements you know to be false?

● Was the information reviewed by editors or subject experts before it was published?

● What citations or references support the author’s claims?

● What do other people say about the topic?

 

Authority - the source of the information:

● Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor of the source?

● What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations?

● Is the author qualified to write on the topic?

 

Purpose - the reason the information exists:

● Is the purpose of the source to sell, persuade, entertain or inform?

● Are there any political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

● Are alternative points of view presented?

● Does the author use strong or emotional language?

 

I’m seeing a ton of really sketchy and misleading material posted daily by people, some of whom I like. We really can, and should, do better.