TRAAP is a simple acronym that can be used as a tool for evaluating information and determining if you're heading toward a fake news trap. Each letter in TRAAP represents a criteria by which to measure the reliability and relevance of sources.
Timeliness: The currency of the information
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has it been updated?
- Do you need the most current, up-to-date information on your topic? Sometimes older material is still relevant today.
Relevance: The information meets your needs
- Does the information directly relate to the topic you were interested in?
- Does it help you answer questions?
- Have you looked at other sources to find the best one?
Authority: The source of the information
- Who is the author or publisher?
- What is there relationship with this topic and why have they chosen to write about it?
Accuracy: The reliability and correctness of the information
- Can you verify the information with another source?
- Is the information supported by citations or other evidence?
Purpose: The reason the information exists
- What is the purpose of the information? To educate, sell, persuade, or entertain?
- Is the information given as fact or opinion?