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COMM13729: Art of Technical Communications

Evaluating Sources

Why Evaluate Sources?

Finding good sources is an important skill to learn and one that you will develop as you work through your studies at Sheridan. Learning how to evaluate sources will not only help you pick the right sources for your assignment it is also a skill that you will find useful in your work and daily life.

Use the C.R.A.A.P. Test and the Worksheet below to critically evaluate the sources you use for your assignment. To learn more, go to Evaluating Websites.

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?

Evaluating Sources

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