Skip to Main Content

Finding Information for Speech Pathology

A Library Guide to help with developing research projects in speech pathology (SPH516 and SPH526)

Evaluate information (The CRAP Test)

Use this test - the CRAP Test - to make a decision about the value of the information you have found ...

Currency

Is it current enough for your topic?

A general rule is to use resources published in the last 5 years.
Reliability

Is the source reputable? Is it peer reviewed?

Does the creator provide references?

Do those references pass the CRAP test?
Authority

Who is the creator or author?

What are their qualifications?

Are they an expert in the field?
Purpose

Is it fact or opinion?

Is it biased or balanced?

Is the creator trying to sell you something?

Evaluate internet resources

The website domain gives you an idea of the reliability of a website:

.edu (educational institution)

.gov (government)

 These are more likely to be reliable and unbiased.

.org (non-profit organisation)

.asn (non-commercial organisation)

 Sometimes these organisations may show a bias toward one side of a topic.

.com (commercial site)

.net (network)

Critically evaluate these sites as they may be unreliable.

 

Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.Acknowledgement of Country

Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.