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Critical thinking and AI using the CRAFT test

GenAI can sound confident, even when it’s wrong. That’s why it’s important to question AI-generated information. The CRAFT test gives you a simple way to check quality and reliability. Follow the steps to make sure your results are accurate and trustworthy.

Use this simple test to evaluate the accuracy and quality of GenAI responses.

Apply the CRAFT test

Apply these questions to material generated by AI to ensure its quality and reliability.

  • Credibility (can I trust this?)
  • Relevance (is this useful for my purpose?)
  • Accuracy (is the information factually correct?)
  • Fairness (is the response balanced and unbiased?)
  • Thoroughness and depth (does it go beyond the surface?)

Credibility

  • Can I trust this?
  • Does the response say where the information comes from?
  • Can I verify the key points using reliable sources?
  • Am I relying on GenAI instead of peer-reviewed or academic sources?

Relevance

  • Is this useful for my purpose?
  • Does the response directly answer my question?
  • Is the information up-to-date?
  • Is the content relevant to my discipline, context, or task?

Accuracy

  • Is the information factually correct?
  • Are any names, dates, places, formulas, or statistics incorrect?
  • Could this be an AI hallucination or invented detail?
  • Does the explanation misrepresent research or evidence?

Fairness

  • Is the response balanced and unbiased?
  • Does the response rely on stereotypes or assumptions?
  • Does it include more than one viewpoint or perspective?
  • Have I asked GenAI to show alternative arguments or perspectives?

Thoroughness and depth

  • Does it go beyond the surface?
  • Does it explain why something is important, not just what it is?
  • Does it connect ideas to real-world contexts or academic concepts?
  • Does it offer enough detail for university-level work, or is it too generic?

Do a final check

Before using GenAI content in your academic work, ask yourself:

  • Have I verified the facts?
  • Have I rewritten ideas into my own words and cited them appropriately?
  • Have I checked my unit materials, journal articles, or textbooks?
  • Have I asked for help if I’m unsure?

Need help?

Our learning skills advisors can help you practise evaluating AI responses and strengthen your critical thinking.

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