Introduction
The CRAAP test evaluates sources to determine whether the information in them is current, relevant, authoritative, accurate, and transparent. Texts that do not fit one or more of these characteristics should not be used in scientific research and education.
An example that does not pass the CRAAP test is a news article published in 2023 on Frontline News titled “Despite Government Claims, Myocarditis Found Not Temporary After COVID mRNA Injection.” In this story, Tulshinski (2023) writes about the claims that the vaccine invented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus has long-lasting side effects that the government denies. This online source does not fit several CRAAP criteria because it demonstrates bias and publishes unreliable information.
Currency and Relevance
To begin with, the article’s theme is current, and the source uses functional links to other websites and social media. Writing about COVID-19 is also relevant to those who read about recent healthcare events and issues and is intended for non-professional adult readers.
Lack of Authority
However, the author and the publisher do not have any confirmed authority on the topic, and the URL reveals that no medical organizations support the source. For example, the author’s credits do not list a medical degree, and his topics include healthcare, history, business, and more.
Lack of Accuracy
The article references trustworthy sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, but the intent behind those links is to challenge official reports. Tulshinski (2023) cites another unsupported website and people with credentials unrelated to the topic, such as osteopathic physicians discussing cardiovascular health, to support his points. Furthermore, the writer references social media posts from public figures who also do not have any healthcare expertise.
Purpose: Presence of Biases
One can see a clear bias in the description of the vaccine as a “jab” or “shot” (Tulshinski, 2023).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the source does not pass the CRAAP test because it does not have authority, and the contents are unsupported and subjective.
Reference
Tulshinski, E. (2023). Despite government claims, myocarditis found not temporary after COVID mRNA injection. Frontline News. Web.