The C.R.A.A.P.P. Test
An easy way to evaluate sources is by using the C.R.A.A.P.P. Test. In other words, consider the following criteria:
CURRENCY
- How current is the information? Is the information current enough for YOUR topic?
- When was the source published, created or updated?
RELEVANCY
- Is the information relevant to your topic?
- Who is the target audience for this source. Children? Academics? Students? Scientists?
AUTHORITY
- Who created the source or who is the author? Is it an individual, a corporation, an organization or association?
- What are the credentials of the author? Do they have PhD? Experience in the field? Do they have a good reputation?
ACCURACY
- Are sources or references given to support the information or evidence provided?
- Are there spelling or grammar errors?
- Can you find similar or the same information in other credible sources?
PURPOSE
- Is the information provided factual only, or is it opinion or biased?
- Is the source trying to sell you something, or persuade you to a particular point of view?
PROCESS
- How much reflection, research, or revising do you think went into the process of creating this information?
Websites
- Java Developer Tutorials and Online TrainingTutorials offered by Oracle Corp.
- Programming Tutorials - C, C++, OpenGL, STLA website run by a former Harvard University faculty focused on helping “newbie programmers get programming as well as helping more advanced programmers find the specific information they're looking for.”
Associations and Societies
- Association for Advancing Computing Education (AACE)The Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), “is an international, not-for-profit, educational organization with the mission of advancing Information Technology in Education and E-Learning research, development, learning, and its practical application.”
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)“ACM is widely recognized as the premier membership organization for computing professionals, delivering resources that advance computing as a science and a profession; enable professional development; and promote policies and research that benefit society.”
- Canada’s Association of I.T. Professionals (CIPS)CIPS is Canada's association of Information Technology (IT) professionals, representing IT workers on issues affecting the IT profession and industry.
CIPS is involved in a number of initiatives related to public policy, setting standards within the IT profession and assisting its community. - The Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)The Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) is the voice of the Canadian information and communications technologies (ICT) industry.
