Which criterion is used to determine the persuasiveness of audit evidence?

The criterion that is used to determine the persuasiveness of audit evidence is sufficiency. Sufficiency refers to the quantity and quality of the evidence gathered during the audit process. An auditor must collect enough relevant and reliable evidence to support their conclusions. This encompasses both the breadth and depth of the evidence, meaning that it is not just about having a large amount of evidence, but also ensuring that the evidence obtained is appropriate for the audit objectives.

The effectiveness of sufficiency lies in its ability to provide a solid foundation for the auditor’s findings and recommendations. If the evidence is sufficient, it increases the likelihood that the auditor’s opinions are reliable and can be accepted by stakeholders. Therefore, achieving sufficiency is crucial for establishing robust conclusions in the audit work.

While relevance refers to how directly evidence relates to the audit objectives, and timeliness indicates that the evidence should be gathered at an appropriate time, sufficiency stands out as it combines these aspects with the need for adequate evidence to form persuasive conclusions. Credibility concerns the trustworthiness of the evidence itself, but without sufficient evidence, even the most credible pieces would be insufficient for a robust conclusion. Hence, sufficiency is the key criterion in assessing the persuasiveness of audit evidence.